Water heaters are essential to any home, providing hot water for cooking, cleaning, and bathing. The water heater’s annual installation will surpass 145 million units by 2026.
If you’ve discovered water leaking from your heater, it’s crucial to determine the cause and take corrective action. If not addressed promptly, leaks can result in extensive damage to your home and property.
This blog post will discuss why water heaters leak and what you can do about it.
Age
The ideal lifespan of a water heater is about eight to 12 years. If yours is older than that, it may be time for a replacement.
One everyday thing that indicates your heater is nearing the end of its useful life is leaking around the tank’s base. It happens when the bottom of the tank starts to rust and corrode.
If your water heater is leaking, it’s essential to call a professional plumber immediately. They can help you determine the cause of the leak and recommend the best course of action.
For example, in case of corrosion, they may recommend replacing the entire heater. But if the leak is due to a faulty valve or fittings, they can repair or replace those parts.
No matter what’s causing a heater to leak, getting it fixed as soon as possible is essential.
Poor Installation
Some essential steps to installing a water heater include properly connecting the pipes and securing the tank. If these steps aren’t carried out correctly, they could leak. That’s why it’s right to leave the installation to the professionals.
A plumbing expert can diagnose the problem and find a solution quickly. In some cases, they may even be able to repair the damage caused by the leak.
When it comes to your home’s plumbing, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So, don’t hesitate to call in the experts.
Faulty Valve
The valve is the component of your water heater responsible for regulating the flow of water in and out of the water tank. If this valve becomes damaged or fails, it can cause water to leak out of the tank.
If you think your water heater’s valve may be the source of the leak, it’s crucial to have an expert plumbing look at it as soon as possible. A qualified plumbing technician will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs properly.
Sediment Buildup
Sediment buildup is usually the result of “hard water.” Hard water contains high levels of minerals, like calcium and magnesium. Minerals can accumulate in your water heater’s tank and cause sediment to form.
Sediment can cause your water heater to make strange noises or not work as efficiently as it should.
If you think sediment might cause your water heater to leak, you must call a professional plumber immediately.
Conclusion
Whether a water heater is leaking from the tank or one of the fittings, valves, or pipes, it’s crucial to have a professional plumber assess and repair the issue as soon as possible. A leaking water heater can lead to extensive water damage in your home, so don’t delay getting it fixed.
