Is Your Water Heater Leaking? Here are Three Problems to Look Out For
Leaks in your water heater may seem like a minor nuisance, but they can quickly lead to more significant problems. If you notice your water heater leaking, it could lead to damage on wooden flooring, promote mold growth, and ruin the paint on walls. Therefore, you need to identify the cause of the leak and contact a plumber for water heater repairs.
Making a prior diagnosis also helps determine whether you need major repairs so you can make financial arrangements. Below are some leading causes of leaks in your water heater and what you can do about them.
1. Faulty Inlet and Outlet Connections
Your hot water tank has two pipes: the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe. The cold water pipe allows water into the tank for heating while the hot water pipe discharges water for various uses. Loose connections on the inlet or outlet pipes can cause water to leak around the heater. Luckily, this is easy to fix. You only need to tighten the loose fittings. However, if the pipeline is faulty or the accessories damaged, you should replace them to prevent further leaks.
2. Faulty Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve
The TPR valve is an essential component of your water heater. The TPR valve is placed on either side of the hot water system and controls the temperature and pressure of the tank If the temperature and pressure are too high, the valve drains some water through the drain line to ease the burden and lower the temperatures.
This is normal, and as long as the valve works correctly, you shouldn’t be alarmed. However, if the valve is faulty, it can cause leaks even when the pressure and temperatures are within the normal ranges. Check the valve for loose or broken springs and replace them to restore the component’s normal functioning.
3. Corroded Water Tank
Hot water tanks have the primary role of heating and holding hot water. The tanks require regular cleaning to prevent sediment from building up at the bottom. If you don’t clean your tank, the sediment build-up can cause corrosion. A corroded tank is structurally compromised, and this can lead to leaks. If your tank is extensively damaged due to sediment accumulation, you have to invest in a new water heater.
Leaks in your water heater can signal a minor problem such as loose fittings or a major one such as a corroded tank. Contact us today for an accurate diagnosis and high-quality plumbing repair services in the Houston area. No matter what kind of plumbing issue you have, you can rely on Ory’s Plumbing Solutions to deliver.