Solar Plumbing · 3 min read
Water Running Off the Roof in Summer? Here Is What to Check
A dripping overflow on a hot afternoon is not always a fault, but it is never worth ignoring. Here is how to tell the difference.
Not every drip is a fault
On the hottest afternoons, a healthy solar system releases a small amount of water through the relief valve. That is normal expansion. A brief drip around midday is nothing to worry about. A steady stream, water running at night, or water in winter is not normal and should be looked at.
The three usual causes
A relief valve that no longer seals properly. A float valve in the feeder tank stuck open, constantly topping up a system that keeps overflowing. Or a failed non-return valve allowing hot water back into the cold line. All three are quick, inexpensive repairs, and none of them resolve on their own.
What to do next
Note when the water escapes, not just that it escapes. Midday only and a small amount: mention it at the next service. Any other time, or a constant flow: close the cold feed to the solar system, usually a valve on the pipe leading to the roof, and contact us. A photo of the valve and the overflow on WhatsApp is often enough for us to identify the fault before coming out.
Prefer to leave it to a professional?
One phone call or one WhatsApp photo is usually enough for us to identify the problem and tell you what the repair involves.