Water heaters make that early morning or late evening shower worth it. They supply the needed hot water to make your bathing experience better. However, due to their location, which may sometimes not be within the bathroom, you’re likely to forget they existed until problems occur. Water heater leaks are one of the commonest problems you’re likely to face, which can affect your bathing experience in many ways.
H&A Plumbing | Brooklyn New York, one of the top plumbing contractors in the area, discusses the reasons for water heater leaks, the signs, and how to fix the problem. Read on to find out more.
Why Your Water Heater Is Leaking
Water heaters are a wonderful creation, but like every other home appliance, they sometimes break down for different reasons. If your water heater leaks, the chances are high that the problem can be traced to one or more of these problems.
Gradual aging:
Aging is one of the commonest reasons for a water heater leak. Your water heater may have begun heating due to age and frequency of use. Its parts may have begun deteriorating, causing slacks here and there, affecting its performance, and causing leaks.
However, aging is a factor that should be considered only after using your water heater for a significant number of years, say between seven and ten years. For this problem, you should consider replacing the water heater to enjoy better energy and water use efficiency.
Problem with the hot and cold inlets and outlets:
The hot and cold water inlets on the water heater are often susceptible to damage. Their susceptibility can be traced to their location on the water heater. Damages to any of these inlets and outlets can lead to water leaks, affecting your water use efficiency and bills. This problem can be fixed by contacting your plumber to replace the affected inlets or outlets. You may also be able to perform a DIY repair, provided you have prior experience.
Problem with the temperature and pressure relief valve:
Your water heater’s temperature or pressure relief valve can cause water leaks in several ways, including when the valve is loose or damaged. The valve may also leak when it is under high pressure or temperature. You can address this problem by replacing the affected valve and regulating the water temperature and/or pressure to avoid recurrent damage.
Problem with the drain valve
Water heater leaks can also be traced back to problems with the drain valve. This can be due to the valve’s regular use, which may compromise its efficiency over time. For this problem, you may need to replace the drain valve to plug the leak and save money on water bills.
Problem with the water tank
Lastly, water leaks can be caused by water heater tank problems. This problem isn’t one of those that can be addressed quickly. It can also cost a lot to fix this problem. You may need to contact your plumbing contractor for a solution.
Fixing a Broken Water Heater
Now that you’re aware of the common causes of water heater leaks, here are the steps to fixing the problem.
Detect the problem
Going over the above possible causes, you may be able to tell where your water heater is leaking. If not, you may need to contact a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.
But if the problem can be traced to a faulty connection, damaged valves, or a damaged tank, you may have a better chance of fixing it. Start by cleaning the pool of water caused by the leak and detecting whether the affected part needs repairs or replacement.
Shut off the water supply to the tank
Proceed to shut off water intake into the water heater once the problem area has been detected. Shutting off water allows you to fix the problem without compromise. It also helps you avoid water wastage.
Turn off the power and drain the tank
Turn off power to the tank for safety reasons and drain the water heater tank before working on it. Draining the tank helps reduce the tank’s weight. It also saves you from common hazards when replacing damaged parts, whether valves or pipes.
Fix the problem
You can proceed with the repair process once all safety protocols have been observed. Ensure the replacement parts ordered are of the highest quality to ensure longer-lasting satisfaction. If required, you can replace the damaged part or tighten the valves and inlet or outlet pipes.
Once done with the repairs, turn on the water valves and the water heater. You should keep an eye out for any other leaks that may indicate other problem areas you’re yet to discover.
