Water Heater Leaking

The leading cause of water heater leaks depends on four factors. Sometimes problems are small and we can easily fix their own. And, sometimes problems are large and it’s better to call professional plumbers to help you to diagnose the issue.

Here are some reasons that’s why the heater leaked.

Old Tank

Tank-style heaters older than about 15 years tend to leak more often than newer heaters. As the unit ages, parts wear out, water doesn’t hold its heat as well, and leaks become more frequent. Aging water heaters sometimes leak as the tank rusts. This leads to corrosion, allowing water to seep through the cracks. When a heater reaches the end of its life, the only thing to do is to replace it.

Drain Valve

Plumbers and homeowners use the drain valve to the empty tank for maintenance and replacements. Homeowners also use the drain valve when they need to clean out the tank. This valve loosens over time, allowing water to leak. However, leakage from the valve base indicates the component is not watertight. In this case, a new drain valve is necessary. Fortunately, homeowners can complete this change, but it helps to hear what a plumber says before you take action.

Too much pressure on the Water Heater

The water heater creates pressure and it increases the water temperature and it causes bigger problems. A water heater has pressure because the hot water creates steam and fills the space. When that steam has nowhere to go, the pressure becomes too high. It escapes from any cracks in the heater to relieve some of the pressure. When the water temperature is too high, or if water enters the system at high pressure, then the pressure increases.

Internal Tank

Tank heaters use two shells to complete their process. The outer shell provides insulation for the inner shell which holds the water. A final layer of metal covers both shells. Heater leaks in the inner shell are difficult to locate, but in most cases are due to age and deterioration. You don’t see this type of leakage outside the tank.

Recommendations

• Turn off the power or gas supply to the water heater. If it’s an electric water heater, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. If it’s a gas water heater, turn off the gas supply valve.
• Shut off the cold water supply valve to the water heater. This will stop the flow of water into the tank and prevent further leakage.
• Drain the water heater. Open a hot water faucet in your home to relieve pressure in the tank, then connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and drain the water into a nearby drain or outside.
• Check for the source of the leak. Inspect the tank and all of the connections to see if you can identify the source of the leak. It could be a faulty valve, a cracked tank, or a loose connection.
• Repair or replace the water heater. Depending on the severity of the leak and the age of your water heater, you may need to have it repaired or replaced. Consult with a professional plumber to determine the best course of action.
• Clean up any water damage. If there has been any water damage, be sure to clean it up promptly to prevent mold growth and further damage to your home.

Remember, dealing with a leaking water heater can be dangerous and should only be done by a trained professional. If you’re unsure of what to do, or if the leak is severe, call a plumber right away.