Hot Water ECV keeps dripping

Mahmoud1989 · Nov 28, 2021 11:00 pm

Hi, my hot water system (50L Dux Proflo) has an ECV (expansion control valve) that was fitted in 2019, ever since then it drips pretty much after every shower or usage of the hot water, now normally this wouldn't be an issue but the system is in an interior cupboard which means the constant addition of moisture to the air is helping mould grow in the cupboard and give the cupboard that hot musty smell. The place I live at has high water pressure so should I look at turning the non return isolating valve down a bit to reduce the amount of water going into the system and hopefully reduce the frequency of the dripping? would that help at all? thanks in advance

BuildingandLegal · Jan 04, 2022 9:51 pm

The water tank is a pressure vessel! A 50ltr hottie doesn't have much storage, roughly a 10 minute shower. The unit has a thermostat that once the temp drops to a set level it starts to heat the water. Water expands as it is heated, this is where the expansion valve comes into play. Without the expansion valve the pressure would increase and over time the tank would develop a leak!
If it's in a cupboard you could install a snap on vent to the door which would help reduce the humidity.

JB1 · Jan 05, 2022 7:36 am

Turning the valve doesn’t reduce pressure, only flow.

Is there a pressure reducing valve?

Also is there an overflow pipe?

If not, maybe a small bucket is the most practical solution.

aussieta · Jan 05, 2022 2:30 pm

drop the temperature a little as tank may be getting too hot and too much pressure