Leaking Hot Water Cylinder

[madmaz50]

Our hot water cylinder has developed a constant slow water drip (once every 5-10 seconds) from under the wooden slatted shelf it stands on. There isn't any water leaks from any of the pipes connected into the cylinder. I can only see a small amount of water at one place on the bottom where the cylinder insulation stands on the shelf, which is then dripping through the slatted shelf.
I presume I need a plumber ?
If it is only a small leak on the cylinder bottom, can it be repaired or will we have to have a new cylinder ?

[The Builder]

It would usually be from one of the fittings that connect the pipework to the cylinder. It wouldn't necessarily show up on the pipework itself.

If not, then the tank has corroded, and started leaking. This is often on the base where it stands.

Either way, it does need someone to look at it.

[Hymie]

It is nigh on impossible to affect a fix with some sort of sealant/glue where the surface is constantly wet due to leaking water.

However I have fixed such a leak on a hot water tank using a bar of soap – the harder the bar the better. Simply rub sufficient soap over the area of the leak, if unsuccessful, repeat until it stops dripping.

To locate the precise leak location, dry the area thoroughly and watch carefully for dampness (remember that leaking water does not flow upwards).

[bhg481]

If it is corrosion, as thebuilder suggests, fixing the leak will only be a temporary measure as the corrosion will spread. Will you ever dare go away for a holiday knowing that you could come back to a flood?
Many years ago I was in the local ironmongers when I bumped into a neighbour. He said his header tank had gone and he was going on holiday the next day. "That's unlucky", I said. "No, lucky" he said, "it could have gone in two days' time".
Thebuilders' advice is always good on these matters.

[Hymie]

The repair I made to my mother’s hot water tank (with soap) has been in place now for around 5 years.

The leak was on the side of the tank; it not being a modern tank, so does not have expanded foam insulation directly applied to the outer surface – which would have made such a repair impossible.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

We had a 5 year old hot water tank..and that started to seep water.Change it as soon as possible IMO.

[alavahalf]

Wouldn't recommend trying to do a repair on the tank surface as it will more than likely develop into a crack if corrosion is present.
As TB has stated there is a good chance that one of the fittings is leaking.
Get a torch and a mirror and look closely below each connection for a trace of damp (look out for a tell tale green powder) .. if you have trouble seeing the connections use a piece of dry toilet tissue to dab underneath each connection, if the tissue is damp then you have found your leak. That is good news as the tank can be drained down and the dodgy connection repaired with PTFE or Boss white.

Have visited plenty of incidents involving a leak from the hot water tank. They usually involve a clearing up exercise, involving removing soggy carpets and ceilings... followed by a new tank.
Get it fixed .. or make sure your house insurance covers the ensuing damage when the tank decides to let go !
The chances are you wont be around when this happens.