Your claim that you’ve never experienced leaking water in a water heater will be hard to believe. Because water heater leaks are fairly common no matter the type of heater you have installed. But do we have to be conscious of it, and isn’t there anything we can do to avert this problem?
You are here looking for answers, and to be honest, water heater leaking is a problem that can be avoided, given that you are using the water heater in an appropriate manner.
Our point is not to accuse you of using the water heater unfairly, but with some attention, water heater leaks can be avoided. This article is not only going to talk about the occurrence that leads to water heaters leaking, but we will also see how this problem can be solved.
It may seem like a minor issue in the beginning, but if you don’t resolve it early, it will turn out to be a bigger problem. The leaking water creates major problems for the entire building. Whether it is a minor leak or not, it needs your immediate attention.
Before we discuss the solution, let us first explore the reason why the water heater leaks in the first place. Knowing this will allow us to avoid such problems in the future.
What causes the water heater to leak?
Water heater leaks are common, and many homeowners are able to repair it themselves. However, in some cases, it turns out to be terrible, and you may have to go for a water heater replacement. Not to mention the cost linked with substituting the unit, it can rise much higher than your planned budget.
Let’s save the money together and find out the reason for the leaks below.
Increased water pressure
We all like to take a shower with high water pressure coming out of the showerhead, but it causes problems with the plumbing system and your water heater.
We didn’t want to dishearten you, but increased water pressure is one of the major reasons for the water heater’s leak. Aside from the pressure you have set using the pressure valve, you have to understand that the water heater creates a pressure of its own when the water boils and produces steam.
When steam doesn’t find a way out, the high pressure causes the heater to leak.
Pressure valve malfunction
It may not be the water heater causing leaks but the pressure valve. If it is too loose to work properly or is malfunctioning due to any other problem, it will cause the pressure to increase inside, and as a result, the water heater leaks.
Know about the water heater parts here so that you know what role they play in working. You can study the diagram if you want to know about the water heater in detail.
Drain valve
As the name implies, this valve is used to take water out of the tank. It is mainly used for cleaning purposes. But, in most cases, the homeowners leave it loose, or it may lose its fitting over time; whatever the cause is, it then creates a leak.
In this case, replacing a drain valve is the only reliable possibility you have.
In the same manner, the inlet or outlet connection linked with the water heater may lose over time. Check the fittings and do what is necessary to solve the problem.
Sediments
Sediments in the water heater are known for creating several issues, and therefore, professionals recommend cleaning the heater tank every once in a while. Aside from contaminating the water, heater leaks are also caused by the sediments if not removed for over a long time.
Sediments start building up over time, and they form cracks in the tank. So, make sure you are cleaning the tank from time to time.
Old tank
Aside from the parts getting loose over time, the water heater itself loses its reliability and efficiency over time. Water heaters that are more than 8 to 12 years old are prone to leaks. Repairing or maintenance might not be helpful at this stage, and you have to go for a total replacement.
Water heater leak detection
To solve the issue of water heater leaks, first, you must detect where it is leaking. A plumber can discern the cause of the leak based on the leak’s location. Even if you are doing it yourself, it’s more important to find out. After all, knowing where the leak is will allow you to address the problem the right way.
We have identified the most likely area for a leak to occur in a water heater.
Top leaks: if it is leaking from the top, the inlet or outlet connections are most likely to be the cause because it’s rare for a water heater to get cranks on the top. However, there might be some other problems, such as the failure of the pressure valve. In most cases, repairing and tightening the components will do the job.
Bottom leaks: If it is at the bottom, the chances are it will be a minor issue caused by the drain valve. But if the problem is not with the drain valve, you may have to check for other causes.
Undetermined Location: It is again common not to be able to detect the exact point from where it leaks. This happens when high water pressure causes the problem.
Aside from these points, look for the cracks on the entire unit and make sure it is actually the leak and not the condensed water.
How to prevent the water heater from leaking?
You can be the lucky one who hasn’t experienced a water heater leak ever in your life, but for that, you have to keep a regular check on the water heater maintenance.
Remember that the earlier you spot the leak, the easier it will be to control and get over it. There are a couple of suggestions following which you can prevent the leaking of the water heater. The points are as follows:
- Make sure that the water heater is installed correctly and in the right spot. Sometimes, the leak occurs due to improper installation of the heater.
- The next thing involves checking all the components are fastened securely, as loose gears also lead to leakages.
- Do not let the sediment build up in the tank for too long. Clean the water heater occasionally.
- Make certain the temperature is not set too high, as it will build high pressure. Similarly, keep a check on the pressure valve and confirm it’s working correctly.
Conclusion
Any minor problem related to the water heater must not be ignored, and the same goes with water heater leaking.
Do not be mistaken to take it lightly as it can cause serious trouble for the whole house. But, if you take preventive measures and detect the problem in its early stage, repairing it will fix the issue. If you feel like it’s out of your control, do not exaggerate calling in experienced professionals for sorting it out.