Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?
A water heater leak is one problem you do not want to experience at your home. When water exits your water heater, the result can be floors and walls that get wet, furniture and other possessions that get ruined, and of course the task you will have in figuring out why your water heater is leaking in the first place. While some leaks can be quick and easy to fix, others may require repairs or replacement of your water heater. Since our team here at Boss Plumbing realizes just how serious and inconvenient a water heater leak can be to you and your family, here are some things to keep in mind about these types of leaks.
Is the Water Heater Actually Leaking?
If you happen to see water on the floor near your water heater or notice water on the tank itself, you may hit the panic button and assume your water heater is leaking. However, the problem may only be condensation.
If you’ve got your water heater in a part of your home where the temperature may tend to fluctuate, such as your basement or a utility room, this will almost always produce condensation on or around your water heater. Remember that since the water heater tank is hot but the room where it’s located is colder, condensation is sure to result. Thus, before you pick up the phone to call us here at Boss Plumbing and inquire about our water heater repair services here in Los Angeles, it’s best to make sure you actually have a problem that needs to be repaired.
Locating the Source of the Leak
Should condensation not be the issue with your water heater, then having water on or around your tank means there’s a leak taking place somewhere. To figure out why it’s leaking, you first need to locate the source of the leak.
Top of Tank
When a leak is occurring at the top of the water heater, the good news is that it’s probably not a crack in the tank itself. Instead, there are two likely reasons for the problem.
- Loose Connections
If the tank’s inlet and outlet connections are loose, this will produce leaks. By getting a wrench and tightening the bolts where they connect to the tank, your problem should be solved.
- Damaged Valves
If the connections are still tight, the reason for the leak could be loose T&P valves (Temperature and Pressure) or an anode rod that has started to corrode. These problems can be easily corrected through repairs done by our Boss Plumbing technicians, so there’s no need to worry.
Bottom of Tank
- Faulty Drain Valve
If you get regular maintenance on your water heater each year, the drain valve will be used to empty the tank. Over time, this valve may work itself loose and not be watertight. An easy DIY repair, you can also call on us for assistance if necessary.
- Corroded Water Tank
When your water heater is 15 years old or older, chances are any leaks you’re noticing are due to corrosion. Once this is confirmed, you may be deciding between a gas or electric water heater and maybe between a tank or tankless water heater, since getting a new water heater will be your only option.
Side of Tank
- Bad Element Panels
Should your tank not be drained each year as part of regular maintenance, this can lead to sediment forming on the bottom of the tank. As this occurs, it impacts the water heater’s element panels, which will eventually start to corrode. If you start to notice your water heater is noisy and making vibrating or rumbling noises, this is likely the problem.
- Temperature and Pressure Release Valve
If the T&P valve doesn’t work properly, too much pressure can build up inside your tank. While it may just be loose and need to be tightened, it may also need to be replaced, which should be done by a professional plumber.
How to Check for a Leaky Water Heater
- Turn Off the Water Supply
By turning off the water supply, you can limit the amount of water that leaks out from the water heater.
- Turn Off the Power Supply
Since water and electricity don’t go together very well, turning off your water heater’s power supply will ensure you don’t get shocked while trying to determine the cause of the leak.
- Check All Components and Areas
With the water supply and power supply off, you can begin to check all components and areas of your water heater. By inspecting various valves and the tank itself, you should be able to figure out why it’s leaking and what will need to be done to fix the problem.
How to Prevent Water Heater Leaks
- Routine Maintenance from a Professional Plumber
If you’ve had an electric water heater installed in your home, scheduling annual maintenance visits with us here at Boss Plumbing will help to prevent leaks and catch small problems before they become big ones.
- Tighten Parts That Could be Loose
Regularly checking and tightening valves, connections, and other parts that can sometimes become loose will help to keep your water heater from leaking.
- Check the Water Heater Frequently
By checking your water heater monthly, you can spot any possible problems and get them corrected right away.
- Make Sure the Water Heater is Clean
Generally speaking, a clean water heater is one that has far less chance of springing a leak than one that is dirty. This is where regular maintenance can make a difference, since draining the tank to rid it of sediment will help keep it clean and functioning at its best.
Water Heater Leaking? Give Us a Call
Whether you’ve got a gas water heater leaking from its top or a tankless water heater that you suspect may be leaking, don’t assume the problem will correct itself. Instead, give us a call here at Boss Plumbing to schedule a water heater service call with one of our knowledgeable and friendly plumbers. Whether you need repairs or water heater replacement, we’ll do it quickly, conveniently, and at a price that fits your budget.
