The water heater is a fantastic invention that offers incredible convenience in our daily routine. However, there are many reasons a water heater might leak. Some issues are simpler to repair than others. Whatever the case, we advise you to contact a professional to diagnose the problem correctly. Here are five common sources of water heater leaks to be aware of.
1. Loose Drain Valve
The drain valve allows water to drain from the tank for maintenance or replacement. When you need to empty your water tank, you will use a drain valve. The drain valve may loosen over time, which allows water to leak through. You can stop the leaking by tightening the drain valve. As you do, make sure you don't make the drain valve too tight; do not force it.
If the valve continues to drip after you have tightened it, your valve is defective, and you need to replace it. You, the homeowner, can complete the replacement, but it helps to hear what a plumber has to say before you take action. Before removing and replacing this valve, turn off the hot water and drain the water out of the water heater.
2. Too Much Pressure
In a water heater, the pressure will naturally increase since the tank deals with very hot water. Hot water generates steam, which increases the pressure in the water tank. If the pressure inside the water tank is too high, water will seep from any cracks in the heater to relieve the pressure.
In most cases, too much pressure builds up if the temperature in the water heater is too high or because water enters the system under high pressure.
3. Faulty Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
Your water heater also has something called a temperature and pressure relief valve, also known as the T&P valve. If the T&P valve breaks, water will leak from the water heater tank. If the pressure in the valve is too high, the valve could malfunction. When the water heater excessively raises the water temperature, it may also damage the temperature and pressure relief valve.
Sometimes the valve is simply loose, and you need to tighten it. However, if the valve is defective, you must replace it. T&P valve leakage can be serious, and you need to take the time to figure out the cause.
4. Sediment Buildup
The longer the owner has the water heater, the more sediment will accumulate in the water tank. In many cases, the collection will only clog the system or reduce the quality of the water. However, if the buildup stays at the water tank base for a long time, the water tank will deteriorate. A damaged water tank can cause the water heater to leak or even explode.
Fortunately, you can avoid this problem by flushing the tank at least once a year to drain any accumulated sediment.
5. Aging Tank
Water heaters last for about
10 years. As the end of the water heater's life cycle approaches, rust and corrosion are bound to occur. Corrosion will cause water to leak from the water tank. When the water heater reaches the end of its life cycle, the only thing you can do is replace it. Otherwise, it will eventually lead to complete failure of the water tank, which may result in terrible flooding.
There are countless reasons why your water heater might be leaking, and sometimes these leaks result from more than one issue. Regardless of the extent of the damage brought by the leak, we always recommend that you call a professional to check the source of the leak and carry out necessary repairs or replacements. Therefore, if your water heater is leaking and needs a plumber, do not hesitate to
contact us for professional diagnosis, maintenance, and repair.
