Electric Hot Water System Leaking? Here’s What To Do

Noticed your electric hot water system leaking at home? Best you act fast to resolve that problem in that case.

Water and electricity are a terrible match, and a small drip can quickly become water damage at the very least. At worst, it can result in electrocution. If you do find hot water leaking constantly from your electric hot water system, it’s important that you do not try and fix it yourself.

Yes, you can try to minimise the damage that it creates. But ALWAYS turn to a licensed electrical contractor or plumber (depending on the nature of the problem) for hot water heater repairs or replacements.

In the meantime, should you find your hot water tank leaking, here’s what you need to do.

First Steps: Make It Safe Before You Inspect

Always safety first when you’re dealing with a leaking hot water system. That’s a non-negotiable.

At the switchboard, shut off the hot water system’s circuit breaker or safety switch. If you find water in the unit or surrounding wiring, leave the power off until you can get a licensed electrician in to test it. Confirm the power supply light is off, then close the main water supply or the cold-water isolation valve to limit further leaking from your hot water unit.

Keep clear of the access panel while the area is wet, and avoid touching internal components. If you notice your electric hot water system leaking and its dedicated circuit breaker trips repeatedly, leave it off and book a licensed electrician.

Quick Safety Checklist for When Your Hot Water System is Leaking

Want to stay safe and minimise damage when you find your electric hot water system leaking? Of course you do. Use this quick checklist to do exactly that:

• Turn off the unit’s circuit breaker/isolator at the switchboard and label it. DO NOT attempt to reset the unit if there is water ingress or it has tripped your safety switch.
• Close the cold-water isolation valve or main water supply to slow the leak (even a small leak).
• Keep clear of the access panel; don’t touch internal components or wiring.
• Check the pressure relief valve drain for continuous flow versus a brief release.
• Inspect the hot water tank base, tray, joints and nearby pipes for water leaking.
• Back away if you see scorching or sparking.
• Photograph the hot water system leak for reference and insurance.

If leaking water hazards persist or the circuit breaker or safety switch won’t reset, book a fully licensed technician to look at the entire system.

Common Leak Points and What They Mean

Most hot water system leaks start at predictable spots.

Pressure relief valves will often release a small amount of water from hot water systems while they heat up. That is fairly normal. However, a visibly leaking pressure relief valve or temperature relief valve with a continuous flow of water suggests high water pressure (possibly exceeding Australia’s maximum pressure of 500 kPa) or a faulty seat clogged with tiny particles.

Weeping around the heating element cover points to a perished gasket or water ingress. Rust streaks or damp insulation near the hot water tank seam often signal internal corrosion and a failing hot water anode. Drips at pipe unions may be loose joints rather than a broken system.

If you discover your electric hot water system leaking from the base tray, the tank itself may be compromised.

Electrical Faults That Often Appear with Leaks

Electrical issues often appear alongside a leaking hot water system.

Water ingress can short a heating element, trip the circuit breaker, and damage the isolation switch or thermostat. If a thermostat sticks closed, the element runs hot, the temperature inside climbs and the pressure relief valve may discharge. Corrosion on terminals, wet cable glands and saturated insulation cause intermittent faults and nuisance tripping.

Warning signs include:

• No hot water (hello, cold showers!)
• Frequent resets
• Buzzing sounds
• Scorch marks
• A burning smell

If you find your electric hot water system leaking, isolate the power supply. Don’t force reset it; moisture inside the hot water unit needs a licensed electrician.

Repair or Replace? When a Quick Fix Isn’t Enough

Not every leak means it’s time to replace your water heater. You may need to consider it, but it’s not always the default option. At least not until you’ve had a thorough investigation.

If the pressure relief valve dribbles only during heating, that is a fairly normal part of the heating process. Nothing to worry about. Continuous discharge, rust at the base or damp insulation usually points to tank corrosion and requires further examination. A failed heating element gasket is replaceable, yet repeated hot water leaks after repairs suggest full system replacement.

Factor in age, efficiency, water pressure and repair costs in total. If you have a gas pipe supplying gas to your home, you may want to consider a gas hot water system. However, there are numerous options you can consider, and numerous reasons why an electric hot water system may be the best option for your home.

If your electric hot water system leaking persists, ask a hot water specialist to assess safety and lifespan. They’ll be able to determine the next best course of action for you.

Always Use a Licensed Electrician for Hot Water Systems

Electrical work on a hot water unit is not DIY. In fact, DIY is not a legal option for any electrical work at home beyond basic tasks like changing a light bulb or resetting a tripped circuit breaker.

A licensed electrician must isolate the power supply at the switchboard, prove dead, and repair or replace wiring, thermostats, isolation switches and heating elements in line with AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules. They will check safety switch protection, earthing and the unit’s circuit breaker, then record compliant work.

Depending on the reason behind your electric hot water system leaking, you may also need a licensed plumber. They will be able to handle:

• pressure relief valves
• temperature relief valves
• pipework and
• water supply issues

If you find yourself in this situation, keep the access panel closed and call the right trades: a plumber for leaks and valves, or an electrician for all electrical faults.

Fix It Safely, Prevent the Next Leak

Water leaks and electricity don’t mix. It’s important that you act quickly, isolate power at the switchboard, and shut the cold-water isolation valve to limit damage.

Document what you see, then call a licensed electrician. They’ll be able to assess wiring, the thermostat and the system’s heating element. Meanwhile, a licensed plumber will check the pressure relief valve, pipework and the condition of your hot water system storage tank.

Minor hot water leaks may need simple service; corrosion, repeated trips or damp insulation point to system replacement. Schedule regular hot water service, test relief valves per the manufacturer, and manage high water pressure.

If you notice your electric hot water system leaking, book an inspection before the situation gets really bad.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “Electric Hot Water System Leaking? Here’s What To Do”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.