Water Dripping From the Tundish or a Pipe Outside?
Noticed water dripping or running from a copper pipe on the outside wall of your house, or trickling into a small funnel next to your hot water tank? That funnel is called a tundish, and water in it means one of the safety valves on your unvented (pressurised) hot water cylinder is releasing water. It’s your cylinder telling you something needs attention.
If the water is hot or steaming: turn off the boiler and the immersion heater straight away, keep away from the discharge pipe, and call us on 0113 232 9556.
No Call Out Fee – We Only Charge From The Time We Arrive
Call
0113 232 9556
Phone or WhatsApp – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
What Causes a Dripping Tundish?
- Expansion vessel lost its charge – the most common cause. When water heats it expands; if the vessel (or internal air bubble) can no longer absorb that, the excess comes out through the expansion relief valve. Often you’ll notice it dripping mainly while the water is heating.
- Pressure reducing valve failed – mains pressure creeps up overnight and the relief valve releases it. Common when it drips all the time.
- Expansion relief valve worn or dirty – a bit of debris or wear stops it sealing, so it dribbles constantly.
- Temperature and pressure relief valve opening – this means the water is overheating, often due to a failed thermostat or cut-out. This is the one to treat as urgent, especially if the water is hot.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
A small cold drip isn’t an emergency, but it is a sign that a safety device is working overtime, and it often gets worse. It also wastes water and can stain walls or freeze in winter. Unvented cylinders must only be repaired by a G3-qualified engineer – please don’t adjust or cap the relief valves or discharge pipe yourself.
Usually Fixed in One Visit
We test the expansion vessel and incoming pressure, check each safety valve, and replace or recharge whatever has failed. Most dripping tundish repairs are done on the first visit with parts from the van. We repair all makes, including Megaflo, Gledhill, Joule and Telford.
Why Choose EmergencyMan?
- BPEC-qualified and G3-certified – qualified to work on unvented hot water cylinders, with over 30 years’ experience.
- Same-day service – often with you within the hour across Leeds and the surrounding areas.
- Well-stocked van – common valves, elements and thermostats carried, so most repairs are finished on the first visit.
- No call-out fee – a fixed hourly rate charged only from when we arrive (a diagnostic charge applies), with a fully itemised invoice.
- OAP discounts – if you’re a pensioner, just ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tundish?
A tundish is a small funnel, usually near your hot water cylinder, that the safety valves discharge into. It lets you see when a valve is releasing water. From there a pipe runs safely outside.
Why is water coming out of the pipe outside my house?
If the pipe comes from an unvented hot water cylinder, a safety valve is releasing water – usually because of an expansion vessel, pressure reducing valve or relief valve fault.
Is a dripping tundish dangerous?
A cold drip is a warning rather than an emergency. Hot water or steam from the tundish means the cylinder is overheating – turn off the boiler and immersion and call us immediately.
Can I fix a dripping tundish myself?
No. The valves are safety devices on a pressurised cylinder and must only be worked on by a G3-qualified engineer.
Do you charge a call-out fee?
No. We charge a fixed hourly rate from the time we arrive (a diagnostic charge applies) and give a fully itemised invoice.
No Call Out Fee – We Only Charge From The Time We Arrive
Call
0113 232 9556
Phone or WhatsApp – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
More Hot Water Cylinder Help
- Unvented Hot Water Cylinder Repairs in Leeds
- Megaflo (Megaflow) Repairs
- Gledhill Cylinder & Thermal Store Repairs
- Joule Cylinder Repairs
- Telford Tempest Cylinder Repairs
- Ariston, OSO, Range & All Other Brands
- No Hot Water from Your Cylinder
- Leaking Hot Water Tank & Low Pressure
- Annual Unvented Cylinder Service (G3)
