When you get home and see that your water heater is leaking, you should understand that something is wrong with it. However, discovering a leak can be a stressful and concerning situation. Here, we will discuss some of the most important reasons why your water heater leaks and how to sort this issue.
Also, we will give you some tips on maintaining your water heater.
Age of the Water Heater
As you may know, water heaters have a limited lifespan, typically from 8 to 12 years maximum. After this time, they may have different issues, including leakage. Corrosion can occur inside the tank, resulting in microscopic holes and cracks that enable water to escape.
Condensation on a gas water heater
High-efficiency gas water heaters can create harmless condensate, which can appear to be a leak. Here’s how to recognise condensation:
- Wipe up water beneath the heater.
- Turn the gas control valve to the off position
- Wait a few hours to see whether it becomes wet again beneath the heater.
- No water indicates that the heater was condensing.
Loose or damaged inlet and outlet connections
The connections where cold water enters, and hot water leaves the heater may become loose over time. If these connections are not securely fastened, water may begin to leak. Regularly inspecting and tightening these connections can help avoid leaks.
Corrosion
Corrosion is a prevalent concern with water heaters, particularly older versions. When corrosion begins within the tank, it weakens the metal and causes microscopic holes, enabling water to flow out. Anode rods within the tank protect against corrosion but must be examined and changed regularly.
Cracked Tank
In certain situations, the tank itself might break. This is particularly frequent in older water heaters or those with considerable sediment accumulation. If the tank is damaged, the entire unit will need to be replaced since mending a cracked tank is usually not an option.
What to Do If Your Water Heater is Leaking?
When a water heater leaks, you can take the following precautions to prevent further damage:
- Turn off the power supply.
- Turn off the water supply.
- Inspect the leak and drain the tank.
It depends on the situation, but following these guidelines can avoid significant expenses and other problems. After you’ve completed these procedures, contact a professional plumber to help resolve the issue without stressing or wasting time.
Do not hesitate to contact Near Plumbers for more advice and expert assistance with your plumbing concerns. Our team of specialists is always available to help you with any plumbing problems you may experience.
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