Is your water heater leaking? Do your showers run short of hot water? How is your water pressure?
Many homeowners face these common problems and more. Plus, most homeowners never think about appliances, such as water heaters, until a problem occurs! However, as the Allstate Insurance Company concluded in a report that summed up the dangers of water damage:
“water heater failures are one of the three most preventable sources of water damage in your home.”
Additionally, the average residential heater contains 40-50 gallons of pressurized water. As a result, if or when a tank ruptures, it causes massive damage to your home. Therefore, what should a homeowner do if they notice their water heater leaking?
First and foremost, if you notice any leaks, then determine the source of the leak!
To start, check the water heater and determine if any condensation exists. For example, the water heater, surrounding pipes and even other appliances nearby, might yield condensation. Although this water could accumulate, it may not be the cause of the leak. Additionally, drain lines, along with water softeners or other plumbing issues could create a leak. Upon spotting a leak, then attempt to confirm the cause.
“If a small amount of water is noticed under or near a water heater for the first time, dry the area and try to determine the cause by inspecting the water heater and its plumbing fittings for obvious signs of water leakage.”
Next, turn off the power and turn off the water supply (upon confirmation of your water heater leak).
How to Spot the Location of the Water Heater Leak
Finally, spot the actual source of the leak. After all, a handful of potential problems cause water heater leaks. As always, upon spotting the source, call a professional plumber if the repair is beyond your capabilities.
However, for those DIY homeowners, check the following common water heater leaking spots.
- Valve Connections: the cold water inlet and hot water outlet connection points remain a primary cause of water heater leaks. Fortunately, the potential fix remains very easy. Simply tighten the loose connections.
- Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve: the T&P valve is a safety devices that ensures the water pressure and temperature remains at a safe level. Test the T&P Valve annually because excessive sediment build-up leads to corrosion, which renders the valve useless.
- Drain Valve: check the drain valve (located at the bottom of the tank) and ensure it closes completely. Plus, confirm the valve connection remains watertight and shows no signs of moisture. However, keep in mind a qualified plumber can fix a leak from this spot.
- Internal Tank: insulation wraps the internal tank, along with being enclosed with an external skin. However, any internal tank leak means it is not visible from the outside. Therefore, the water typically leaks through the bottom of the tank. This type of leak remains the most common due to the age and deterioration of the tank (which means time to purchase a new tank!).
SolvIt Solves Water Heater Leaking Issues
Did you know SolvIt offers annual plumbing maintenance that helps prevent unforeseen plumbing and hot water heater issues?
That’s right, whatever your hot water needs, SolvIt provides a solution. We service, repair and install all brands of residential and commercial hot water heaters. Plus, SolvIt offers a yearly protection plan to provide annual tune-ups and inspections of all of your home comfort systems, including all plumbing! Learn more about our Home Protection Plan and our service areas.
At SolvIt, we maintain and repair all makes and models with fast, reliable and on-time service 24/7!