Water Heater Leaking? Here Are 6 Possible Reasons Why
Why is my water heater leaking? Figuring out the underlying problem is the first step towards solving it. This article will help you understand what’s going on with your heater & what to do about it.
People often complain about a water heater leaking without understanding the underlying problems. A competent HVAC contractor can fix your water heater quickly and thoroughly, but you must ensure the problem doesn’t happen again. Understanding what causes a water heater to leak will help you prevent the issue from becoming worse and fix things if they aren’t that bad.
If your water heater leaks from the top, it’s about time you learn what caused it, how you can fix it, and prevent the problem from resurfacing in the future.
In this article, we’ll help you understand just that.
Why Do You Need a Water Heater?
The winters can be cruel, and imagine how much worse things would be if you didn’t have any heated water for your bath or kitchen! Your water heater is an essential element of your routine, you can’t go on without it.
If you feel a hot water heater overflowing or some symptom of a malfunctioning water heater, you have good reason to be alarmed. Waste no time getting professional help to fix the problem. However, most people don’t even understand the signs until it’s too late.
Let’s review those symptoms first.
Signs Of Heater Malfunction
Here are some of the most common water heater problems to look out for if you think that there is something wrong with your electric/gas water heater:
Possible Causes of a Leaking Water Heater
If you’re wondering “why is my hot water heater leaking,” then these are the most common issues to look for:
#1) Drain valve problem
The drain valve lets you drain your heater. But over time, with repetitive use, it can become loose. To solve water heater leaks from the drain valve, you need to tighten the valve. But if you see the hot water heater drain valve leaking and it’s beyond your abilities to fix this, call for professional help.
#2) Water line leaks
Another common cause for water heater dripping. This usually happens due to corrosion caused by ions in the heated water. You can either replace the lines or seal the drain for a quick fix.
#3) High water pressure
Hot water heater leaks occasionally due to excessive pressure. But, what causes too much pressure in hot water heater? The hot water itself!
You can relieve the extra pressure using a specialized valve, aptly named the relief valve. But if the water heater leaks from pressure relief valve itself, then you probably need to call a professional to take a look at it.
#4) Corrosion at bottom of the tank
Your electric/gas water heater can also face corrosion within the tank due to all the ions and heat. If this happens, you’ll notice dripping from underneath.
#5) Cracks in water pipe
Lastly, the water pipes themselves can become cracked as they age, leading to various issues such as water heater leaks from overflow pipe.
Now, you’re probably wondering: “what to do when water heater leaks?” Since you’ve figured out what causes the water heater to leak, you’ve already dealt with half of the problem. Shut off the water supply and identify the source of the leak.
If the leak is minor, you might be able to deal with it using a sealant, or by tightening the valve; otherwise, you’ll need expert help. Just make sure that what you’re seeing is a leak, not condensation.
The winters can be cruel, and imagine how much worse things would be if you didn’t have any heated water for your bath or kitchen! Your water heater is an essential element of your routine, you can’t go on without it.
If you feel a hot water heater overflowing or some symptom of a malfunctioning water heater, you have good reason to be alarmed. Waste no time getting professional help to fix the problem. However, most people don’t even understand the signs until it’s too late.
Let’s review those symptoms first.
Let the Professionals Handle Your Water Heater Leak
Look, the bottom line is: if left unchecked, your issue can worsen over time. Now that you understand what causes water heater to leak and what it means if the water heater leaks from the top, you should not take the problem for granted and contact local repair specialists.
Blue Valley Cooling and Heating is a professional setup for all of your household and commercial heating and cooling needs such as installation, replacement, repairs, maintenance, and so on.
Our crew can handle all such problems to your satisfaction in and around:
Just let us know what’s bothering you, and we’ll get started on fixing the problem! Call us +1 (303) 993-2645 now!
12th April 2022
