What To Do When Water Heater Is Leaking - ERNIEGRAVES

What to Do if You Notice Your Water Heater Leaking

The possibility of a leaky water heater is one of those possible issues that many homeowners overlook. Because the water heater is frequently placed in a part of the house that is rarely visited, many of us are prone to falling into the “out of sight, out of mind” trap when it comes to maintaining it. Water heater problems are only discovered when it becomes painfully clear that something is wrong with the water heater. The harm to your home may have already been done by that point, and it may be too late to prevent further damage.

This article will shed more light on that often used item, as well as on the steps you can take to ensure that it does not become a cause of troubles in your home or business.

The Reasons Why Your Water Heater Is Leaking

Let’s start with the reasons why water heaters are prone to leaking. There are a variety of factors that contribute to water heaters bursting their seals. This is probably not news to you.

Gradual Aging

When it comes to aging, water heaters are no different than any other piece of equipment in your house. These water heaters, on the other hand, may be fairly durable when compared to many of the other equipment you use on a daily basis. They have the ability to operate without interruption for up to 10 years, and this is true even if you do nothing to keep them in good working order. Nonetheless, 10 years might pass in a blink of an eye, and you may lose sight of how old your heater actually is.

That could provide some insight into why it’s behaving up in the first place.

The Hot and Cold Inlets and Outlets

Because of their location on the water heater, the hot and cold inlets and outlets are more vulnerable to damage when compared to the rest of the unit’s other components. If you’ve observed that your heater is beginning to leak, have a look at these components.

The Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

Several factors might be contributing to the leak, including the temperature and pressure relief valve on your water heater and a clogged drain line. If the valve is subjected to an excessive amount of pressure, it may begin to malfunction. The problem might also be caused by the water heater elevating the temperature of the water to an excessive level. It is possible that the temperature and pressure relief valves will be damaged as a result.

The Drain Valve

Because the drain valve was created to flush out any sediment that may have made its way into the water heater, you should anticipate it to leak at least a little bit during operation. There is, however, a substantial distinction between a frequent trickling and a full-blown leak in this case. Inspect the drain valve to ensure that it is not discharging any more water than it should be, since this might develop into a serious problem sooner rather than later.

The Water Tank

Considering that the tank of your water heater is the source of the leak, you have a significant problem on your hands. That is not something that can be resolved fast, and it may cost a significant amount of money to handle.

The only true advantage to this situation is that you will be able to tell straight away if there is a problem with the water tank since you will observe flooding instead of merely leaky water coming out.

The Telltale Signs That Your Water Heater Is About to Leak

If your tank doesn’t have a large hole in it, it’s unlikely that you’ll detect a leak immediately away. Although it is a good idea to inspect your water heater on a regular basis, the great majority of homeowners fail to do so on a regular basis. One advantage of performing a comprehensive check of your water heater on a regular basis is that you won’t have to wait long to discover that it’s damaged. You can keep an eye out for some of the signs of a faulty water heater, which we have included in the section below.

The Water Quality Has Changed

A large number of people prefer to take hot water showers first thing in the morning. Some people are able to tolerate the freezing cold water striking their bodies at such an early hour, but others are unable to do so. If your water heater is leaking, you don’t necessarily have to be concerned about cold water pouring down on you, but you may notice that the water coming out is tepid rather than hot. Most people might dismiss this as a result of a cooler than normal morning, but it could be a sign that your water heater isn’t functioning properly, as seen in the image below.

This is a problem that you may have noticed previously since some of the items you’re washing have developed rust spots on them unexpectedly.

When it is not recommended to do so on purpose, you may notice rusty water while showering if some droplets reach close to your face as a result of the unique smell and flavor of the water.

It may not be leaking at this time, but it may do so in the near future.

The Exterior of the Water Heater Looks Rusty

If we’re talking about rust, you don’t need to find it in the water to know that your heater is likely to experience issues in the near future. Also, check the external heater to determine whether rust has begun to build on the surface of the heater. The presence of rust on the tank is a very reliable indicator that there is a leak someplace. Take the time to inspect the burner units as well; they are susceptible to rust in the same way.

The Water Heater Is Producing Noticeable Noise

It is unavoidable for sediment to accumulate within the water heater. There will be no indication of the sediment’s existence for an extended period of time. At some point, though, the sediment will solidify and begin to make a clicking sound whenever the water heater is turned on or off. You might try listening to the heater to see if you can find out if there is a problem with it.

Puddles of Water Are Forming around the Water Heater

Even though it may seem apparent, if you begin to observe puddles of water developing around the heater, it is a good indication that there is a leak in the system. The majority of the time, the puddle of water that indicates a leak will be located just under the heater.

How to Fix a Broken Water Heater

You are now aware of the signs and symptoms, and you can decide whether your water heater is leaking.

So, what do you suggest you do next? In order to deal with the problem of your water heater leaking, you should follow these suggestions.

Detect Precisely Where the Leak Is

Even if you are already aware that your water heater is leaking, it is vital to understand that not all leaks may be repaired in the same manner. In addition to defective connections and valves, the leak might be caused by the tank itself as we discussed above. Prior to making any repairs, concentrate on locating the source of the leak first. Determine where water is collecting and clean it up. Then check again the next day to see if any additional water has accumulated there. This should provide you with an indication of the location of a potential tank leak.

Turn Off the Power and Drain the Tank

As soon as you’ve determined that there is a leak and have pinpointed the location of the leak, you should turn off your water heater. Electric water heaters should be turned off by utilizing the circuit breaker box located near the water heater. Locate the circuit breaker that supplies your water and turn it off. You must be thorough because you never want to find yourself in a situation where you may be standing in water while some electricity is still running through the wire or other components.

Following the successful completion of a complete shutdown of the water heater, you can begin to drain the tank.

Close Off the Water Supply

You may now begin the process of shutting down the water supply because the tank is now empty. First and foremost, locate the cold water shutoff valve. You can turn off the valve yourself as long as you are certain that you will be able to do it securely. Making this adjustment should be sufficient to prevent further water from spilling into the heater. If the cold water shut off valve on the heater is in a difficult to reach location, you might try to locate the main water shut off valve on your home instead.

Address the Problem Areas

It’s now time to get down to business with the actual repairs, which might range from being rather straightforward to being really difficult. If the problem is connected to the cold and hot water inlets and outputs, you may be able to address it on your own by following these steps. Take a look at the connections to check if there are any areas where they are loose or damaged. Make use of your tool to tighten them down even further. If you follow these steps, you should be able to resolve your leak problem.

It’s possible that there’s a problem with the water pressure, but it’s also possible that a valve has malfunctioned.

You might try to do it yourself, but if you don’t have the necessary experience, you can wind up making matters worse instead of better.

Finally, if the tank itself already has a significant hole in it, it is possible that repairs will no longer be effective. It is possible that you may need to invest in a new water heater at that moment.

How to Maintain Your Water Heater

Even if you decide to repair or replace your water heater, it is in your best interests to keep it in better condition in the long run. Fortunately, doing appropriate water heater maintenance is not a difficult operation. Maintaining constant eye contact with the anode or sacrificial rod is one of the most important things you can do. This component of the water heater is in charge of collecting any debris that may have accumulated inside the tank. Check up on it on a semi-regular basis to ensure that it is still operational.

If you want to extend the life of your water heater, it is also a good idea to flush the tank with water every now and again.

Once a year will suffice to keep your water heater in excellent working order.

The Benefits of Maintaining Your Water Heater

Maintenance is essential not just for extending the life of your water heater, but also for improving the efficiency with which the device operates. If you put in the effort to keep the appliance in good working order, you’ll receive more value for your money. Making the effort to keep your water heater in good working order might help you avoid damage to your home’s basement. When it comes to leakage-related damage, one of the most frustrating aspects is that it isn’t usually obvious immediately away.

Put in the effort to keep your vehicle in good working order to avoid incurring that unneeded expenditure.

Call the Professionals to Fix Your Water Heater Problems Properly

It is worthwhile to attempt to repair the water heater on your own; but, if the repairs get too complicated, professional assistance may be required to complete them. Get in contact with the plumbing experts at Best San Diego Leak Detection to get all of your water heater problems resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible. You may also contact them if you have any other plumbing-related difficulties that you would want them to take care of. Posted on February 26, 2020 in Categories:

What To Do When Your Water Heater Is Leaking

Water heaters are built to last a long period, but even the greatest ones can develop leaks over time. A leaky water heater does not always indicate that it has to be replaced, but you should address any leaks as soon as they are discovered. The presence of even a tiny amount of water can do significant harm, thus it is critical to assess the situation immediately when it occurs. First and foremost, determine the source of the leak. Even if a little quantity of water is visible below your water heater, it is possible that the water heater is not the source of the leak.

Are any of the fittings dripping or are there any other symptoms of leakage that you’re aware of?
Where did you find the water?
Keeping in mind the laws of gravity, if your floor slopes in any way, it’s possible that water went from another spot to where you discovered it.
When you return, please The presence of damp towels indicates that there is a problem, and the water heater may be the source of the problem.

If you’ve discovered that the source of the leak is your water heater, follow the steps below to assess the problem, or just give us a call and one of our highly trained professionals will come out to inspect the situation.

NEED IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE?

Water heater leaks should be addressed immediately by shutting down the water supply to the tank. On the cold inlet pipes of your water heater tank, there should be a specific shutdown valve for your water heater tank.

For agate-style valves (which have a wheel that spins), crank the valve as far clockwise as you possibly can. if the valve is a ball-style valve, turn the handle in the other direction

Please contact us at (866) 264-9642 if you need assistance working through this. If the valve in your home is damaged, you can turn off the water supply to your home. Every home should be equipped with a main water shutoff valve, which would allow the flow of water to be stopped throughout the whole house. We encourage you to phone us if you are unable to locate the shut-off valve on your own and we will plan a time for one of our service specialists to come out to your home to assist you as soon as possible.

Electric Water Heater

To avoid further damage to your electric water heater, we recommend that you first turn off the electricity at the breaker before attempting to repair the tank. Simply turn off the circuit breaker.

Gas Water Heater

The gas supply should be disconnected before working on a leaky gas-powered water heater, according to our recommendations. On the gas line going to the tank, there should be a specific gas shut-off valve to prevent the flow of gas. See the image below for a visual representation of a gas water heater being turned off. Once your water and electricity have been switched off, you will be able to more accurately analyze the problem and discover where the leak is coming from in more detail.

Check the input and output connections. Leaks are frequently found at the points where pipes connect to your water heater. Examine the connections for the cold water input and hot water output. Is there a problem with any of the fittings? It’s possible that all they require is to be tightened using a pipe wrench. Make that the pressure release valve is working properly. If there is an excessive buildup of pressure, the pressure relief valve, also known as the T P valve, may be activated to release water as a safety precaution. It is possible that pressure will build up at the valve if your thermostat is set too high or if the water pressure to your home is excessive. Check your thermostat settings to ensure that the temperature is not set too high. A pressure gauge at a hose bib may be used to check the pressure in your home (you can also check the pressure in your car). What temperature should you have your water heater set at in the first place? The Department of Energy suggests that you set your tank-based water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit instead of the default setting of 140 degrees Fahrenheit that most manufacturers use. Water flowing from the T P valve indicates that it is doing its function by releasing water as the pressure develops, or that the valve is broken in some way. However, if your thermostat is not set too high and you are still experiencing leakage, the issue may be with the valve itself
Check your water pressure. Besides checking the pressure and temperature, it’s a good idea to check the humidity. You may check the pressure by attaching a pressure gauge to the hose bib outside your home and running it through it. What should I do if my incoming pressure is excessive? According to the regulations, your inbound water pressure should not be greater than 80 PSI, and if the pressure is greater than 100 PSI, we strongly recommend that you install a pressure lowering valve. Not only might your water pressure be producing a leak, but it could also be causing damage to your fixtures. Look at the bottom of the water heater for leaks. Identifying the cause of a leak might be challenging in some cases, particularly if water is pooling underneath the tank itself. It’s possible that water leaking from a valve will run down the sides of the tank, creating the appearance that it’s coming from the bottom while in fact it’s coming from the top or sides. Alternatively, if the leak is coming from the bottom of the tank, it is possible that the tank itself is damaged, in which case it will need to be replaced. Make that the drain valve is working properly. The drain valve, which is located towards the bottom of the tank, should be entirely closed, so ensure sure there is no water flowing from this place. If it is leaking, it is possible that the washer inside has become worn and has to be replaced. If you are still unable to locate the source of the leak, please contact us and one of our professionals will be able to assist you
No matter what you discover, it is always recommended that you have a professional evaluate your water heater if you discover any leaks.

When your water heater specialist arrives to begin work, they will drain your tank. However, if your tank is leaking excessively, you may want to drain it promptly to avoid water damage to your property. The following actions should be followed if you need to empty your water heater before a professional arrives: After you’ve shut off the water and electricity, follow these steps:

Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run it outside on the ground to remove the water. Make certain that the tank is drained to an appropriate area, such as a gutter drain or a sink. It is not recommended to discharge the water onto your lawn or driveway since the silt and rust from the tank might hurt your grass and discolor your driveway. Activate the drain valve that is connected to the hose. Pulling up on the pressure release valve on the tank’s top will allow it to be opened. Allowing the water in the tank to drain is recommended.

Again, unless you are concerned about catastrophic damage to your home, you do not need to be concerned about draining your water heater. If you need assistance, our professionals would be pleased to assist you. Following these initial procedures after discovering a leak can be quite beneficial in preventing water damage from accumulating. Any inquiries or concerns you may have should be sent to (866) 264-9642, which is our toll free number.

Loose Drain Valve:

Lagging drain valves in water heaters are one of the most prevalent causes of water heater leaking. Try tightening the valve with a wrench until it is snug, but be cautious not to over-tighten it if water appears to be flowing out.

Too Much Pressure:

It is possible for a water heater tank to build up excessive pressure, which might result in leaks. This can happen if the water temperature is adjusted too high or if the water pressure from the outer water source is too high for the tank to handle.

Cracked Storage Tank:

Hot water heaters are constructed using a storage tank that is coated with glass. Over time, the natural minerals in the water might calcify and deposit on the interior of the tank, causing it to get clogged. These have the potential to fracture the glass lining of your water heater, causing it to leak. Additionally, water expands when it is heated. Over time, this expansion places stress on the heater’s glass lining, which might eventually lead it to crack and break. Unfortunately, if this occurs, your hot water heater will need to be replaced since the breaks in the glass liner are irreparable and cannot be repaired.

Providing the leaking water does not cause damage, this is OK, but the unit will need to be replaced at some point in the future.

Other Reasons:

Your water heater may be leaking for a variety of reasons, including broken fittings, poor draining, and just old age. Performing some troubleshooting on your own is always a good idea, but calling in a professional will always be the safest and most effective method to avoid any long-term and expensive damage to your property.

Your Water Heater Isn’t Producing Hot Water

If your hot water heater is no longer supplying hot water and the tank is supplied by electricity, check to see if the fuse at the breaker has blown and that the breaker has not been reset. Whether you have a gas hot water heater, you may also check to see if the pilot light is still lit to see if the heater is still operational. If neither of these basic solutions are successful, contact to schedule a service call with a skilled technician to come to your house and assess the situation.

My Gas is Leaking – I Smell Gas!

If you suspect a gas leak at the water heater, you can shut off the gas at the dedicated gas shut off valve located on the gas line leading to the water heater and turn off the water heater. If you suspect that you have a gas leak concern that has not been resolved, you can contact Fast for service at (866) 264-9642. It is usually recommended to notify your energy company as soon as possible in the event of a significant gas leak or emergency.

After an Earthquake, Protect Your Home

If you think you smell gas, call 911 immediately.

Locate the meter on the street outside your house. Turn the gas valve 14 times from the ON position to the OFF position. Make contact with your natural gas business.

Having to deal with a leaky water heater first thing in the morning is not the best way to start the day. It is possible to avoid an emergency from turning into a disaster, though, by following these procedures.

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT, HEAR WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY.

There is nothing more frustrating than discovering a puddle of water surrounding your water heater. It’s yet another mess to clean up, and the sinking feeling you get when you think about how much money you’ll have to spend to fix it may be unpleasant to experience. If you see a puddle on the floor around your water heater, it’s crucial to figure out what’s causing it right away so that you don’t have to deal with any more issues down the road. Throughout this post, we’ll go over how a water heater works, some of the most frequent causes of leaks, how to fix them if they’re little or if you require water heater repair, and how to attempt to avoid this scenario from happening again in the near future.

Perhaps all it need is a little tender loving care to get it back into operating shape.

Stop the Leak Right Away With the Help of a Pro!

How Does A Hot Water Heater Work?

First and foremost, it is critical to understand how your water heater operates! Let’s get started! To begin, cold water enters the tank through the intake lines. This is followed by hot water. Following that, a dip tube transports the cold water to the bottom of the tank, where it is heated. An Electric Water Heater has two electrical components, one at the top and the other near the bottom, that are responsible for heating the water contained within the unit. If you have a gas water heater, the burner assembly will ignite and produce a burning flame.

After that, the fumes from the combustion gas are expelled through a spherical silver pipe in the ceiling.

This pipe not only serves to exhaust the flue gases, but it also serves to warm the water. Finally, this water departs the heater through the output pipe and is disseminated throughout your residence.

What To Do If You Find A Leaking Water Heater

Instead of standing powerless and perplexed in front of your leaky water heater, you may take action. Continue reading for some straightforward troubleshooting methods that any homeowner may do, as well as options for minor repairs if they feel confident enough to do so!

Step 1. Verify It Is Your Water Heater Leaking Water

It is now necessary to identify and address the cause of the problem. It is critical to determine whether the moisture is due to a leak rather than simply condensation on the surface. Condensation is not a worry at this time. To put it simply, it implies that the water heater is extremely hot, but that the room in which it is placed is extremely chilly. By washing off and drying your water heater, you can see if it’s the case. After that, take a thorough look at its outside. Condensation is most likely the cause of moisture developing uniformly throughout the surface.

Is your central air conditioning system nearby?

You might place paper towels on the ground to see whether the water is coming from a different source.

Step 2. Turn Power Off

Once you have determined that the source of the leak is your water heater, the next step is to quickly switch off the electricity. It is not recommended that you operate on your water heater while it is connected to its electrical supply. Locate your circuit breaker and turn the water heater switch to the “OFF” position if you have an electric water heater. At the circuit board of an electric water heater, turn off the power to the unit. If you have a gas water heater, there is a specific gas shutdown valve located at the base of the tank, close to where the gas line enters the tank.

Step 3. Shut Off Cold Water Supply

The next step is to turn off the cold water supply to your water heater and let it sit for a while. There are two pipes that run from the top of your water heater tank to the bottom. The cold supply input pipe of the majority of water heaters is equipped with a shutdown valve. This is the location where your water is obtained. The cold water entrance line, which is often marked by a blue (cold) or red (warm) color indicator, supplies cold water to the storage tank. The warm exit pipe is responsible for transporting hot water from the water heater to your residence.

shutoff valve for the water supply If the shutdown valve is a wheel that can be turned, turn the wheel as far as you can in the clockwise direction.

Step 4. Look For The Source Of The Water Leak

After then, it’s time to truly get down to business. As soon as you’ve switched off your water and power, it’s time to look for and locate the cause of the leak so that you can properly troubleshoot and repair it.

Identify the areas where the water is accumulating and clean them up. In the event that you see a buildup of water in the same location the following day, you will now know where to begin troubleshooting your hot water heater leaking problem.

Water Leak At Top Of Water Heater: Check Pipes

The top of the water heater has a leak. Do you have a water leak at the top of your water heater that you’d want to investigate? Look for leaks in the two pipes that go from the top of your water heater. They are referred to as the cold water input pipe and the warm water output pipe, respectively. These pipes carry water into the tank, where it is heated, and then out into your home, where it is consumed. If their fittings or connections are loose, it is possible that this is the source of the leak you are experiencing.

A Pipe Wrench may be used to tighten pipes in order to fix a leaky water heater.

Side or Bottom of Water Heater Tank Leaking: TemperaturePressure Relief Valve

If you see water trickling down the side of your tank, it is possible that your Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve, often known as the T P valve, is malfunctioning. Every water heater is equipped with a T P valve. This is a safety device that is designed to discharge water if there is an excessive amount of water pressure. If you see water escaping from the T P valve, first check to see if the temperature is set too high on the water heater. If the temperature is too high, it may result in an excessive amount of pressure, which will activate this safety device.

If, on the other hand, the temperature has not been raised to an excessive level and the leaking continues, you may have a malfunctioning valve.
The drain valve on the water heater is allowing water to flow out.
The aim of this valve is to empty the water heater so that it may be serviced properly.
If it is still leaking, it is possible that it is loose.
It is critical not to overtighten the valve, since this will cause the valve to leak even more heavily.

Water Heater Tank Leak At The Base

The base of the water heater has a leak. An inexplicable pooling of water towards the base of your water heater tank might be the consequence of a break in the tank’s hot water heater insulation. Unfortunately, a hot water heater repair will not be sufficient; you will be need to purchase a new water heater to complete the job.

Step 5. Clean Up Water Heater Leak

Don’t forget to pick up the water after yourself. Water may be the source of a variety of issues. It has the potential to deform structures, destroy possessions, and invite insects or mold! It’s ideal if you get started right away!

Step 6. Schedule A Water Heater Repair With An HVAC Pro

Alternatively, if your water heater is still leaking water after troubleshooting, you may always contact an HVAC professional for assistance!

It is sometimes necessary to call in a professional to get your water heater back up and running. With the help of high-tech water heater services, you may avoid a flooded disaster.

What Causes A Leaky Water Heater?

If any of the pipes or valves linked to your water heater are loose, it is possible that a leak will occur. A replacement fixture may be required if tightening them does not prevent the fixture from leaking.

Bad Drain Valve

Water will seep out of your drain valve if it is loose or damaged in any way.

Faulty T P Valve

Whenever the water pressure becomes too high, the T P valve is intended to open and allow the water out. However, if the connection between the valves gets slack, or if the T P valve fails, water might leak out.

High Water Pressure

When the temperature on your water heater thermostat is set to a high setting, the T P valve will begin to release water into the system. This is to keep you safe from a water heater that is under a lot of pressure.

Hard Water

The minerals in the water heater cause the liner of the water heater tank to degrade over time as a result of their presence. Cracks begin to appear on the interior of the supply tank as a result. A tank with cracks will almost certainly burst, releasing its contents.

Crack In Water Heater

Water expands as a result of the heat. As a result of the continual strain placed on the water heater, fractures begin to appear on its surface after some time has passed. In addition, hard water causes fractures to appear in your tank’s walls and floor. The fracture in your water heater indicates that it is time to replace the water heater altogether.

HowDo I Prevent My Water Heater Leaking?

What if I told you that you could avoid a leaking water heater? If your water heater is leaking, you don’t have to put up with the worry and uncertainty that comes along with it. A regular inspection of your water heater is essential for preventing costly and bothersome problems down the road. Water heater maintenance performed by a professional takes preventative measures to keep cracks, leaks, and other issues from developing in your water heater. Continue reading to learn how a professional can maintain your water heater operating at peak performance.

Proper Maintenance From A Pro

A water heater professional will examine your water heater thermostat to verify that it is in excellent working order.

Check T P Valve

In the following step, they will examine the T P valve to ensure that this safety device is not endangering your family or house.

Analyze Flue Pipe

The flue pipe of a gas water heater will be examined by a water heater technician to see whether the combustion gases are being properly vented. In addition, they will look for fractures, holes, or corrosion in the flue pipe during the inspection.

Inspect For Leaks

In order to determine whether or not there are obvious fractures or leaks in the water heater, a water heater professional will inspect the complete water heater.

EvaluateAdjust All Connecting Pipes

The pipes that transport water to and from the heater must be checked and cleaned on a regular basis. A specialist will inspect the water heater for leaks and clean, tighten, and adjust all of the connections that lead to it.

Examine Drain Valve

As part of an annual maintenance check, an experienced water heater professional inspects, tightens, and cleans your water heater’s drain valve.

If it were to become loose, broken, or blocked, you would be dealing with a highly inconvenient leak that would be quite aggravating.

Replace the Anode Rod

They will also examine and replace your Anode rod, which will aid in the prevention of fractures appearing. It is the Anode rod that draws minerals in the water, which helps to ensure that the structure of the water heater is maintained for as long as feasible. As a result of these abrasive minerals causing the Anode rod to degrade, it is necessary to replace the rod every 2-3 years in order to keep the tank from breaking in the first place.

Drain Water Heater To Release Sediment

Water heaters acquire silt, calcium, sand, and minerals over time, which eventually settle to the bottom of the tank. One of the consequences of a buildup of silt in your tank is that cracks can occur and your water heater can become ineffective, among other things. Draining your water heater once a year will help to prevent silt from causing damage to your water heater. When you have a professional do a water heater maintenance check, they will always empty your water heater to prevent early degradation.

Lose The Leak With A Water Heater Repair

If you have a leaky water heater, don’t get too stressed up about it. You may get immediate assistance with your Water Heater Repair by contacting a water heater professional. We will troubleshoot the leak and make repairs as soon as possible. Our team of professionals is ready to discuss how we can begin working on this project together as soon as possible. How about you? Do you have any questions? If you are suffering any water heater issues, such as your water heater’s pilot light constantly turning out, please do not hesitate to contact us at (443) 219- 7798 or arrange an appointment onlinehere.

Water Heater Leaking? Here’s What to Do!

No matter where it originates, a leak is never a good indication in any situation. The absence of hot water is typically indicative of a problem with your hot water heater, which must be addressed until the problem is resolved. In the event that your water heater is leaking and you find yourself in a dilemma, here’s what you should do.

Is it Dangerous?

This is one of the most often asked questions we receive from worried homeowners. A leaky water heater, like any other malfunctioning device, may pose a number of risks to the people and property in your house. One of the most serious problems that homeowners should be concerned about is water damage. You’ll be ankle-deep in water if your water heater bursts, and the water will immediately seep into your floorboards, providing the perfect habitat for mold and mildew to take hold. When this occurs, your only choice is to call for emergency services.

Pressure inside the tank increases as the water heats up, and this pressure is gradually released via the safety valve as the water cools.

Security measures that aren’t working properly will keep pressure within the tank contained until the device bursts. Again, this is an incredibly unusual occurrence, but it is possible. Water heaters that are leaking may be quite dangerous, therefore it is recommended not to take any chances.

What are the Causes?

When it comes to leaks, even something as basic as where they are located may make the difference between a simple repair and a pricey replacement. Generally speaking, a water heater that leaks from the top has a far greater chance of being fixed than one that leaks from the bottom of the tank. The valves and pipes that link the water heater to the rest of the plumbing system are placed at the very top of the water heater. If one of these components becomes dislodged, water will begin to seep from the pipes, but this is a problem that can be readily corrected.

It is necessary to replace a leaky tank if the tank is not repairable.

What Should I Do?

When dealing with a leaky hot water heater, you don’t have to take on the role of repairman yourself. That is exactly what we are here for! Please contact a Radiant plumber as soon as you become aware of the leak so that we can dispatch an emergency plumber to your house in Round Rock, TX, and the surrounding regions, at the earliest possible convenience. In the meanwhile, you may protect your property from further harm by turning off the water heater. To switch off the water heater on an electric type, you must locate the water heater breaker in the circuit breaker box.

Also, make sure you switch off the water supply by turning off the cold water shut-off valve so that your water heater tank does not continue to draw water from the plumbing system after you have turned off the water.
Radiant technicians, on the other hand, are experts in everything related to plumbing and HVAC.
We also offer some useful advice on what you can do to prepare for your plumbing service.
To book an appointment, please contact us right away.

Water Heater Leaking? How To Fix It In 5 Easy Steps

Water leaks in the average home in the United States waste 10,000 gallons of water each year. Even worse, 10 percent of US houses have plumbing problems that are so severe that they waste 32,850 gallons of water every year. So, if you’ve found that your water heater is leaking or dripping, it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible. The sooner you take action, the sooner you will be able to conserve water, money, and even the water tank itself. Water damage can be difficult to fix and can cost a significant amount of money.

A water heater tank that appears to be leaking may really be preventing its contents from being wasted.

A leak inspection of the entire home should be performed to see if you have a leaky tank (or any other probable leak).

There are numerous houses who have their water meters outside, on the curb in front of their home.

Once you’ve located the meter, instruct everyone in the house to turn off the water while you do the test. Make certain that all faucets, toilets, fixtures, and water appliances are totally stopped off. At this time, your meter should have come to a complete stop.

Confirm If It’s Your Hot Water Heater Leaking

A water heater tank that appears to be leaking may really be preventing its contents from being wasted.
A leak inspection of the entire home should be performed to see if you have a leaky tank (or any other probable leak).
There are numerous houses who have their water meters outside, on the curb in front of their home.
Once you’ve located the meter, instruct everyone in the house to turn off the water while you do the test.
At this time, your meter should have come to a complete stop.

Close the Tank’s Water Supply Valve (Turn off the water)

Following confirmation that your tank is leaking, the following step is to turn off the valve that controls the leak (shut off the water). This prevents any more cold water from entering the tank. You should turn off the electricity again before working on the shut-off valve if you had to turn on the heater again after turning it off. The shut-off valve is usually located just above the water heater, on the cold water supply line, in the majority of tanks. This may be a gate valve that you need to turn or twist, or it could be a handle that you can quickly pull down and open.

Fix the Leak

Depending on the severity of the leak and the location of the leak, you may be able to complete a few simple DIY repairs. If your water heater is leaking from the top, this may come as welcome news to you and your family. Leaks in water connections are the most straightforward to fix. Prepare yourself, though, since you may need to hire a qualified plumber if the problem is more substantial or severe, such as a tank leak.

Leaking Water Connections

The cold water inlet and hot water exit pipes that are linked to your tank top are the two pipes that supply water to your tank. This is due to the fact that water constantly flows in and out of these lines, causing them to become loose or disconnected over time. If this is the source of your water heater’s leak, you may simply need to tighten the connections that are loose. Make careful to check for leaks at both the intake and output of the appliance.

A pipe wrench should do the work in this case. However, once again, be certain that your water heater is not receiving electricity before securing the connections. The importance of this is magnified if you’re dealing with a hot water outlet problem. The input line for cold water is leaking.

A Leaking Drain Valve

The “drain valve” is a valve that is located towards the bottom of your water heater tank. This is the component that allows you to drain your tank for the purpose of maintenance. Furthermore, you should flush and clean your tank at least once a year to ensure that sediment accumulation is removed from the system. The drain valve, like all other connections, might become loose with time, just like any other part of the system. If you notice that your water heater is leaking from this section, use a pipe wrench to slightly tighten it down.

If the water heater is still leaking, it is possible that the valve has to be replaced.

Leaking Drain Valve on a Water Heater

A Leaking TemperaturePressure Relief Valve

It is standard equipment on your water heater to include a temperature and pressure release valve (T P Valve). It is a mechanism that allows steam or water to escape from a tank in order to prevent the accumulation of excessive temperature or pressure. It should perform its function if the temperature within the tank surpasses 210 degrees Fahrenheit or if the pressure inside the tank exceeds 150 pounds per square inch. Because it is a valve, this component of your water heater is also prone to leaking due to its design.

Eventually, it may become faulty, allowing water to escape from the pipe to which it is connected.

After all, you’re dealing with more than just leaks; you’re also dealing with temperature and pressure.

Leaking from the Pressure Relief Valve on a Water Heater

A Leaking Water Heater

The inside tank of a water heater is protected by insulating materials. After that, an outer skin is wrapped across the entire portion. A leak that emerges from the bottom of the tank would be the most frequent indicator of an inside portion that is beginning to leak. If this is the core cause of your water heater’s problems, you will need to have the water heater repaired or replaced. Due to the fact that leaks are typically an indication of degradation, these leaks are frequently irreparably damaged and cannot be repaired.

You can extend the life of your water heater by doing routine and preventative maintenance on it.

Install a Powered Anode Rod to Prevent Water Heater Leaking

If you have had a water heater leak due to corrosion, or if you don’t want it to happen again, we recommend putting a Corro-Protec driven anode rod in the water heater. This anode makes use of electricity to protect the tank against corrosion and to reduce the formation of limescale inside the tank. This rod is only 12 inches long, and it is simple to install.

It also comes with a 20-year warranty, so you will never have to worry about your water heater rusting again. Since its introduction to the market more than two decades ago, Corro-Protec anodes have helped to preserve over 75,000 water heaters throughout North America.

Replace the Magnesium Anode Rod Before It Completely Corrodes

A sacrificial component known as a “sacrificial anode rod” is located within your water tank. In any instance, an anode rod makes the ultimate sacrifice in order to safeguard the interior of a water heater tank’s interior. Water elements are drawn to it, and these elements can corrode and damage the other metal components of the tank. The anode rod can be thought of as a permanent magnet. It attracts minerals and metal ions that would otherwise corrode and oxidize the heater’s internal components.

The installation of a sacrificial magnesium anode rod is difficult, and it does not survive very long (only last 2 or 3 years).

An anode rod has a shorter life span than the complete tank as a result of the purpose for which it was designed.

Don’t Forget to Maintain Your Water Heater

If you don’t want to have to deal with a leaky water heater in the future, make sure you are doing regular maintenance on it. It is important to thoroughly clean your water heater’s internal components, in addition to emptying and replacing the anode once a year as recommended. Clean the exterior of your tank, as well as the valves and water connections on it. You will be able to get rid of dust and debris accumulation, which can lead to decreased performance.

Solved! How to Fix a Leaking Water Heater and Prevent Future Woes

Image courtesy of istockphoto.com Q: I’m in trouble! My hot water heater is leaking, and I need to fix it. After cleaning up, I see that additional water is beginning to puddle, but I am unable to determine where it is coming from. Is it necessary for me to contact a plumber, or is it feasible for me to repair the leaky water heater myself? A: There are a variety of reasons why water heaters might leak, including faulty valves, high pressure in the tank, and difficulties with the pipes that connect to the unit.

So, while you may eventually need to hire a plumber, depending on the location of the leak, it is possible that a simple DIY remedy is available to you.

Turn off the power to the leaking water heater.

The water heater will have a dial or an On/Off switch near the point where the gas line is connected if it is a gas water heater. If your water heater is electric, locate your home’s electric service panel and turn off the breaker labeled “Hot Water Heater” by switching it to the “Off” position. If your water heater is gas, locate your home’s electric service panel and turn off the breaker labeled “Hot Water Heater” by switching it to the “Off” position.

Next, shut off the water pressure to the tank.

On the top of the water heater, you’ll notice two plumbing pipes that are connected together. One is the hot water pipe, which delivers hot water to your taps, and the other is the cold water supply line, which delivers cold water to your faucets.

Only the cold line will have a shutoff valve; you will need to turn that valve to the Off position in order to prevent cold water from entering the tank. OTHER RELATED:10 Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Do some sleuthing to find the water heater’s leak.

Water heater leaks frequently begin slowly, with only a few drips here and there, making it difficult to determine where the water is coming from. In order to check for dampness, run your fingertips or a tissue around the following three possible locations:

The connectors on the pipes above the water heater
The drain valve towards the bottom of the tank (the one with the normal garden hose connection)
And the area around the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve are all places where you should be cautious. There should be a copper tube that runs out a few inches from the tank and then turns downward to the tank bottom, which should be positioned on the tank’s side. There is an opening at the bottom of the tube, and you should check for dampness there as well

If you have discovered the source of the leak, the following steps will show you how to repair each one. It might be time to call in the professionals. Get free, no-obligation repair estimates from qualified plumbing specialists in your area. +Image courtesy of istockphoto.com

Tighten loose pipe fittings.

If the water is coming from both the cold water supply line and the hot water pipe, you may be able to stop the leak by tightening a loose fitting with a wrench on the cold water supply line. In order for this to happen, you must connect flex pipes, such as this 12-Inch Fluidmaster Braided Stainless Steel Connectors (available on Amazon), between your home’s main cold and hot water lines and the water heater. For many homes, flex pipes are a convenient design since they attach in the same way as a garden hose would—making it a simple do-it-yourself project.

Adjust the water temperature if the leak issues from the TPR valve.

A water heater tank’s pressure is determined by two factors: the temperature of the water in the tank and the pressure of the water that is drawn into the tank from the cold water supply line. When the pressure in the tank reaches a hazardous level, the TPR valve, which is also known as a pop-off valve, releases to release the trapped air and relieve the pressure. This valve, which is placed at the bottom of the downturned pipe you saw earlier, is a safety device meant to deflect a scorching jet of water to the ground rather than the face of anybody standing close.

Many manufacturers provide water heaters that are pre-heated to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, however the Department of Energy (DOE) recommends that 120 degrees Fahrenheit is sufficient for most homes.

Test the pressure in the cold water supply.

Even if the water temperature is not excessively high, the pressure in the cold water supply line may be too high. It is controlled at the exterior water meter, and if it is 100 pounds per square inch (psi) or greater, it may be causing excessive pressure in the water heater. Water leaking from the TPR valve might potentially result as a result of this. The Flow Doctor Water Pressure Test Gauge (available on Amazon) is an example of a water pressure gauge that is meant to be attached to an exterior faucet and may be used to check the water pressure in your home.

When you turn on the outside spigot, the gauge will show you how much pressure is in the water. Most homes require a pressure of 80 pounds per square inch (psi), but if yours is greater than 100 pounds per square inch, contact your local water authority and request that the pressure be decreased.

Replace a leaky drain valve.

If drips are flowing from the area around the drain valve, the valve should be changed as soon as possible. While some may opt to hire a plumber at this stage, those who are devoted to do-it-yourself projects may be able to manage the job. First and foremost, you must drain the water heater by connecting a garden hose to the drain valve and then connecting the other end of the hose to a floor drain or a shower drain, as appropriate. Open the valve using a flathead screwdriver, allowing the water to run out via the hose as it should.

Purchase a precise match at your local hardware shop, and then install the replacement valve by twisting it clockwise into the drain valve hole until it is tight.

Replace the water heater if the leak is at the bottom of the tank.

If, after doing your investigation, you discovered that the leak was not originating from any of the previously mentioned locations, the problem is located at the bottom of the tank. After a period of time, sediment can accumulate in the bottom of a hot water heater, which can eventually result in rust that consumes the bottom of the tank. Although frequent drainage and cleansing of the water heater can help to reduce the corrosion process, if the bottom of the water heater is already leaking, it’s time to replace the water heater.

However, electric models need direct connecting of the heater into the home’s service panel, which is a job best left to a licensed electrical contractor.

Prevent water damage from future leaks with a leak detector.

Because most water heaters are stashed away in unheard-of places like utility closets, basements, and garages, a leak can cause extensive water damage before it is discovered. Consider installing a leak detector, such as Zircon’s Leak Alert (available on Amazon), on the floor near the water heater to prevent this problem. When the detector detects the first evidence of a leak, it generates a loud sound to inform you. Additionally, the Zircon detector may be integrated with your home’s Wi-Fi system, which will send an alarm to your smartphone or tablet if a leak is detected.