Why Is My Hot Water Bottle Leaking? (2022)

Your hot water bottle could be leaking for a number of reasons. While in some rare cases, a product defect is the reason behind leaks, these can also occur due to wear and tear over time. In other cases, the leak comes from the stopper, which is either not screwed on well or worn out. In the case of a defective stopper, it can easily be replaced.

4 reasons why your hot water bottle could be leaking

1. It's defective

Although rare, hot water bottle defects do occur. If you notice a leak in the first few uses, this is not normal. Return the hot water bottle immediately (take it back to the shop or ship it back to the online shop).

Most hot water bottle have a lifespan of at least 2 years, up to 5 years for certain brands.

2. It's too old

Hot water bottles have expiry dates. A good-quality hot water bottle can last between 2 and 5 years depending on the brand and material. If your hot water bottle is older, it's more likely to experience tears and leaks. Time to kiss your old water bottle goodbye and purchase a new one!

To know how old your hot water bottle is, refer to the daisy wheel stamp on it. The picture below shows how to read the manufacturing date of your item.

3. It got damaged

As explained above, hot water bottles can last from 2 to 5 years if you take good care of them. By taking good care of it, we mean storing your hot water bottle properly and using it adequately. It will likely get damaged if you don't give your hot water bottle the care it needs.

Here is how you should care for a hot water bottle in a nutshell:

• Store it in a dark and dry place, outside of sunlight (remove the stopper when storing it)

• Use hot water, not boiling water when filling your hot water bottle (read our article on the ideal hot water bottle temperature)

• Fill your hot water bottle up to two-thirds of its maximum capacity (instead of filling it to the top): this will prevent bursts

4. The stopper is not screwed on properly

The leak could also be coming from the stopper. Carefully check this by slowly turning your hot water bottle upside down above your sink. If the leak is indeed coming from the stopper, try unscrewing it and screwing it back on.

Repeat the process 2 or 3 times if it doesn't work on the first try. If you're still witnessing a leak, your stopper might be broken. Read our next section to see what to do.

What to do when your hot water bottle is leaking

If the stopper is leaking

If the stopper is the source of the leak, you may be able to replace it. Look up if your hot water bottle brand sells stoppers individually. If it doesn't, don't try to fix the stopper yourself. Purchase a new hot water bottle.

If your manufacturer sells stoppers, order a new one and perform the test again to be sure that was the source of the leak. If the hot water bottle is still leaking, it is no longer safe for use. Time to say goodbye to your warm friend and purchase a new hot water bottle.

If the body is leaking

If the leak is coming from the body (e.g.: a tear, a deep scratch, a broken seam), we don't recommend you try fixing your hot water bottle yourself. Buy a new hot water bottle instead, as even a body with minor leaks can lead to more severe accidents such as bursts.

Final thoughts

Your hot water bottle leak could be coming from a number of sources and for a number of reasons. If the leak is coming from the stopper, you may be in luck: the leak could be solved by screwing it on better or by purchasing a new one.

If the leak is coming from the body of your hot water bottle, however, you should dispose of your item to stay on the safe side. As previously explained, even a minor leak from a minor tear can turn into a larger one. In other cases, your hot water bottle may even burst. This is why we recommend you don't try to fix a leak yourself and purchase a new hot water bottle.

We want you to be warm and cosy, not covered in burning water. Stay on the safe side if you can!