Overview of the Problem – Constant Water Discharge from a Gas Hot Water System

At a property on Bambra Road in Caulfield South VIC 3162, our team at Your Choice Plumbers was called out after the homeowner noticed their gas hot water system was constantly discharging water.

On inspection, it was clear the water was not coming from a random pipe leak. The discharge was running through the 15mm copper relief line, which immediately pointed to the hot water system’s pressure temperature relief valve.

This is exactly the type of situation where homeowners start asking, “why is my hot water system constantly dripping?” or “is it normal for the relief pipe to keep running water?” As an experienced plumber Caulfield, we often explain that once a PTR valve fails, it can waste a surprising amount of water and may also signal wider hot water safety issues that should be checked at the same time.

Why the PTR Valve Failure Needed Proper Attention

The PTR valve is a safety device designed to release excess pressure or temperature from the tank when needed.

However, when the valve itself no longer seats correctly, it can begin discharging continuously instead of only opening under safety conditions.

In this case, that is exactly what had happened.

The result was:

  • constant water loss
  • unnecessary waste through the discharge line
  • reduced confidence in the safety performance of the hot water system

This is something we often explain on hot water system repairs jobs, because a constantly discharging relief line should never just be ignored as “normal.”

Replacing the Failed PTR Valve Properly

We confirmed the existing valve had failed and sourced the correct replacement:

HTE-55 valve set

This valve was rated to suit the tank’s required specifications, including a 1000 kPa maximum pressure rating, and was sourced from Reece Plumbing Caulfield.

We then replaced the failed PTR valve and tested it to ensure it was operating correctly again.

We also explained to the client that these valves should be treated as a serviceable item, and that replacing them around every 5 years is good preventative practice to reduce the risk of future issues or unnecessary tank stress.

Why the Hot Water Temperature Also Needed Checking

Once the leak issue had been resolved, we carried out a further safety check at the bathroom basin using our digital temperature gauge.

That test showed the hot water was being delivered at 61°C.

That is well above the safe delivery limit for sanitary fixtures and high enough to create a serious scalding risk in seconds, especially for:

  • children
  • older residents
  • anyone caught off guard by unexpectedly hot water

This was a very important finding, because the homeowner had originally called us for a leaking hot water system — but the bigger household safety issue turned out to be the hot water delivery temperature itself.

This is something we often explain on temperature control valve jobs, because a system can be heating water correctly inside the tank while still delivering unsafe temperatures to bathroom fixtures.

Installing a Tempering Valve for Safe Bathroom Delivery

To correct the hot water safety issue, we installed a 15mm tempering valve.

This allowed us to properly control the hot water delivered to the bathroom fixtures and reduce the outlet temperature to a safe level.

We then calibrated the hot water delivery down to 48°C, which brought the bathroom supply back into a much safer operating range.

To make sure the setting stayed stable, we also secured the safety lock-nut on the valve so the calibrated temperature could not be accidentally altered.

Why This Was More Than Just a Hot Water Leak Repair

This case is a very good example of why hot water jobs should not stop at the most visible fault.

The homeowner called us because of continuous water discharge from the relief line, but the full diagnosis also uncovered:

  • a failed safety valve
  • an overdue service item
  • dangerously high bathroom hot water temperature

By checking the system properly, we were able to leave the home not only leak-free, but significantly safer.

Final Result and Client Outcome

Once the works were complete, the homeowner had:

  • the failed PTR valve replaced
  • continuous water discharge stopped
  • the hot water system operating correctly again
  • a new tempering valve installed
  • bathroom hot water calibrated to a safe 48°C
  • much lower risk of accidental scalding

The homeowner was especially grateful that the job did not stop at the visible leak, and that the unsafe hot water temperature was identified and corrected at the same visit.

Compliance with Australian Standards

This case directly related to the heated water service and hot water delivery requirements referenced under AS/NZS 3500.4, which governs hot water installation and safe temperature control to sanitary fixtures.

In practical terms, this meant the job was not just about stopping the water discharge from the tank. It was also about ensuring the home’s hot water system delivered water to the bathroom at a safe and controlled temperature so the household was protected from scalding risk.

All work carried out by Your Choice Plumbers is completed in accordance with the relevant plumbing standards so hot water systems are not only repaired, but also checked for the safety issues homeowners often do not realise are present.

Our Home Plumbing Experts Approach

As part of our Home Plumbing Experts approach, we focus on both repair and prevention.

We include our complimentary Property Protection Audit with plumbing services to help homeowners understand hidden risks like excessive water pressure, unsafe hot water temperatures, and ageing flexible hoses before they turn into emergencies.

Find out more about our hot water system repairs and temperature control valve services.

Looking for a Plumber in Caulfield South?

If you’re dealing with a leaking hot water system, water discharging from a relief pipe, or want your bathroom hot water checked for scalding risk, visit our Plumber Caulfield page to learn more about how we help local homeowners.