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Water heater leaking will cause you hassle and trouble. Although most water heater units are made to withstand the test of time, there is still a possibility that the unit will leak.
Even the best brands leak once in a while, but it does not mean you need an immediate unit replacement. Determine the reason for the water heater leaking to apply the best solution.
There are a few things that could cause your water heater to leak. One of the most common reasons is a loose valve. If the valves are not tightened properly, water will slowly seep out. You can fix this problem by simply tightening the valves.
Another common reason for a water heater leaking is because of sediment build-up. Over time, sediments can accumulate at the bottom of the tank and cause the water to leak. The best way to deal with this problem is to flush out the sediment build-up.
If you have an electric water heater, another possible reason for the leaking is a damaged heating element. If the element is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
If you have a gas water heater, the most common reason for leaking is a damaged or loose gas line. If the gas line is loose, you can try tightening it yourself.
However, if you are not comfortable doing this, you should call a professional to do it for you.
Asses the Unit
An assessment of the unit is needed to determine the cause of the water heater leaking.
- Turn off the valve or water supply.
If leaking is evident, your first move to assess the problem is to turn off the water supply. If the valve is broken or damaged, turn the water supply off the main pipe.
- Turn off the electricity or power supply.
Shut off the power supply, whether an electric-powered or gas-powered water heater.
- Check the unit and locate the leak.
Check the following for efficient assessment:
- Inlet and outlet
- Pressure relief valve
- Thermostat settings
- Water pressure
- The bottom part of the unit
- Drain valve
Most Common Reasons for Water Heater Leaking
When a water heater leaks, it may also affect the floor, wall, and other parts of your home. It is helpful to know the most common reasons for water heater leaking to decide which solution is best.
- Inlet/Outlet Connections
It is easy to fix the water heater leak if the cause is a loose inlet and outlet pipe connection. Then, you will only need to tighten the connection. However, it is a common problem that happens once over time.
- Drain Valve
Loose drain valves are common, especially if the tank is often being emptied for cleaning. However, a loose drain valve is easy to fix. It may only need a little tightening. However, a new drain valve may be necessary if the leak is from the base of the valve. On the other hand, it will be a big help to seek professional recommendations from your plumber.
- Water Pressure
Too much heat can lead to high water pressure. That’s when the tank can develop a leak. When the temperature is too high, the steam it creates looks for a way out. The best solution for this scenario is to regularly check the thermostat settings to ensure that it is set at standard temperature.
- Water Tank
If the water tank is old and overused, it may cause leaks due to cracked parts. A simple repair may not be the best solution this time. You may need to consider a tank replacement instead. However, suppose the problem is in the internal tank, especially tank-style water heaters. In that case, it will be difficult to spot or locate the crack. It is best to have an expert check the unit immediately to prevent extensive damage.
- Sediments
If the water tank is seldom drained and cleaned, sediments may build up at the bottom of the tank and cause corrosion and cracks. Excess water will then go through the cracks and leak underneath the tank. Moreover, cracked tanks may no longer be repairable but may need a replacement. To prevent needing an expensive tank replacement, it is advisable to regularly clean and drain the tank.
ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re looking to have a new HVAC system installed, we’re on-call and ready to assist you. So if you’re in need of an HVAC installation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection! Our HVAC installation experts will check your ductwork, measure, check wire sizes, and more before making recommendations to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort. Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC installation team online by clicking here.
