Is Your Water Heater Leaking?

Does water heater leaking 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. In fact, 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 in order to apply the best solution.

Asses the Unit

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 from the main pipe.

·        Turn off the electricity or power supply

Shut off the power supply, whether it is 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
• 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. You will only need to tighten the connection. It is a common problem that happens once in a while over time.

·        Drain Valve

Loosening of drain valves is 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 results in too much water pressure, thus the tank leaks. When the temperature is too high, the steam it creates looks for a way out. The best solution for this scenario is to check on the thermostat settings regularly 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, if the problem is in the internal tank, especially for  tank-style water heaters, 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 clean and drain the tank regularly.     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.