Why is My Hot Water Heater Leaking?

People rely on their hot water heater day in and day out. Showers, laundry machines, dishes, washing hands, and on and on it goes. You notice that the hot water isn’t lasting like it used to or stepping into your laundry room and you’re greeted with wet feet. The water heater has sprung a leak. Here are some of the most common causes why your hot water heater is leaking.

Why is My Hot Water Heater Leaking – Probably One of These…

Here are four of the most likely causes of a hot water heater leak!

The Water Connections

First take a gander at your cold and hot water connections. These are where the cold water runs into the tank and where the hot water is pumped out from it to whatever fixture needs the heat. If these are the cause of your leaks it can be a simple fix. Just get a wrench and tighten them and that might be all you need! If it’s not a simple loose connection, there may be some faulty pieces in the assembly that need replacing, or certain seals may be corroded and needing replacement. 

The Relief Valve

The temperature and pressure relief valve is a crucial component to keep the water heater operating as it should. This valve relieves the pressure when it gets too high and drains the tank when the water is too hot. To spot this leak look for water running down the side of the tank from the valve. The valve may be broken, loose, or it may even just be doing it’s job! If the tank has too much pressure it forces water out through the temperature and pressure relief valve as a way to release pressure.

If you spot a leak coming from your valves, have a plumber come out and identify which is the cause and how to address it.

The Drain Valve

Just like the temperature and pressure relief valve, the drain valve is another likely culprit as to why your hot water heater is leaking. Typically, if this is leaking it might just be loose or not closed completely. But this valve should be airtight, and if water continues to leak from it well, it’s probably time to replace it. Thankfully it’s an easy repair and cheap replacement!

Corrosion

Without a doubt, the most likely cause of your leaking hot water heater is due to corrosion! As your hot water heater endures frequent use draining and refilling with water it accrues sediment from the water. That sediment, if it’s not drained and flushed properly and regularly, will eventually start to corrode through the bottom of the water tank. And thus causing the leak. Even with flushing and regular maintenance, after enough years the sediment will do it’s work to the tank, it’s just a matter of time. When this happens it’s time to buy a new water heater.

Now that you have a likely idea of why your hot water heater is leaking, it’s time to repair it! Call in a licensed plumber who can handle everything and get your water heating the way you need! Call Economy Plumbing Services today.

If Water Runs Through it or To It, We Do It!

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