Leaking Hot Water Solar Panel Frost Valve

During the extreme heat periods in adelaide we often get a phone call to properties where they are reporting water running off the roof from there solar panels.

Leaking hot water solar panel frost valve.

It can be because the anti frost device has failed due to a poor installation. This can also occur when the outside temperature rises such as on hot summer days. Clean around the leaks with rubbing alcohol or mineral turpentine. The stationary water the the panel is overheating and opening the pressure valve if the feed and return valves are closed.

When you restart it however either do it very slowly or at night when the panel is cool. You can shut it off and drain the water out of it. Problem it is normal for ptr valves to leak slightly during water heating cycles. Also check the controller for correct settings and freeze turn on temp.

Otherwise the sudden inflow of cold water can shock the panel since it will be superhot without water in it. During winter the valve can discharge water but this is a good thing. For many older gas storage systems the valve is on the copper pipe supply that connects to the front of the hot water tank. All hot water systems have a ptr valve.

Cut around the leak area with a razor blade before inserting the rubber plug from the repair kit. The ptr valve is a safety mechanism designed to prevent your hot water tank from over pressurising. During the heating cycle the ptr valve discharges drops of hot water to the drain line in order to relieve the pressure generated by overheating. Let the area dry.

Try to lift the lever on the valve gently and then put it back gently. Use an adhesive such as liquid nails to glue the rubber plug in place. It is a safety feature which enables the system to release steam and hot water when the pressure or temperature inside the unit builds up too high preventing it from exploding. After doing this monitor the leak to see whether it stops or improves.