There probably isn’t a day that goes by that homeowners don’t use water heater. So it’s not entirely surprising when they fall victim to wear and tear after a few years.
When they realize water heater is leaking, it can be worrisome. However, not all water heater leaks require a full replacement or even a major repair.
Common reason for leaks
Of all the issues that could cause a water heater to leak, the most common are faulty cold and hot water connections, loose gaskets, a damaged drain valve, and corrosion inside the tank.
Some of these problems only require a little bit of tightening or updating to get water heater back to full functionality.
4 reasons hot water tank is leaking
- The cold and hot water connections aren’t functioning correctly. If the leak is coming from the cold water supply or the hot water pipe, it’s possible homeowners could fix the problem entirely with an ordinary wrench. If the water heater lines are made of flex pipes, they should be able to tighten the connections just as they would with a standard garden hose. If water lines are copper, they will need to call in professional help for soldering.
- Gaskets have been worked loose. If homeowners notice water seeping from the outside of electric water heater, loose gaskets might be to blame. To determine if this is issue, they will need to turn off the power to water heater and remove the “hatch covers” outside the water tank to access the gaskets. Homeowners might need to cut through some insulation in the process. If homeowners do find leaks around the gaskets, they have another project on hands. Replacing gaskets requires a full drain of the water heater tank and the removal of electrical components.
- The drain valve is damaged or loose. Is the water pooling from the base of water heater? In this scenario, it could be easy to assume the tank itself is leaking. However, that’s not always the case. A damaged heater drain valve (located near the bottom of the tank) can cause puddles to form around water heater. To fix this issue, flush the water tank and clean any buildup or debris from around the valve. If the leaking continues, homeowners will need to replace the drain valve. This is something they should leave to the professionals.
- The water tank itself is leaking or damaged. This is the worst-case scenario. If homeowners discover a leak in the water tank itself or the tank is damaged beyond repair due to sediment buildup and erosion, they will need to invest in an entirely new water heater unit. Take this as a reminder to stay up-to-date with water heater maintenance items to prolong the life of the water heater.
Water heater repair and replacement in Amarillo
The fact is, the home will have a hard time doing daily without a functional water heater. Why take any risks when homeowners can bring in the professionals from Pratt Plumbing? They can repair or replace your water heater and help avoid further leaks and costly water damage.