Old joints are leaking, sealed with hemp - dried out ?

[meter]

Hello, I am new to this forum and have a question about some old plumbing around a hot water cylinder. The hot water cylinder wasn't used for 14 years and all pipes were drained. Turned the water to the hot water cylinder on and it seems that all joints on the copper tubing around the cylinder are leaking. Could it be that the hemp dried out after 14 years not having any pressure on it ? Also the Anti-scald temperature regulator is spitting water out at the top where the temperature can be regulated. Do we actually need an Anti-scald temperature regulator in NZ or can I take it out ? There are no kids in the house hold and no elderly people. Thanks for your help. cheers, steve

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Tbh if it hasn’t been used for 14 years I would look at getting a new one installed

 

[king of pipes]

Time for a upgrade i think