A hot water heater is one of those underappreciated appliances that you use every day but might not give thought to. It allows you access to hot water when taking a bath, doing laundry, and washing dishes without needing to manually heat the water. But it’s only when things go awry, and the appliance goes out of commission that you might suddenly realize just how cherished the appliance really is.
Because it plays such an important part in everyday lives, it’s also important that homes have hot water heaters installed by professionals. However, the pursuit of hot water for your home shouldn’t end at professional geyser installation. After its installation, your hot water heater should be properly maintained. If you spot any water puddling around the base of the heater, it likely has a leak. Any leaks noticed in your appliance should be immediately addressed to ensure its longevity and efficiency.
Are you not sure what’s causing the leak in your hot water heater? Here are some potential causes of any observed leaks.
Drain Valve Is Loose
See if there is any water leaking from the drain valve itself. If this is the case, the drain valve is most likely lose. To fix this issue, tighten the drain valve with a wrench until it is snug. Be sure to not tighten it too much, as damage could be inflicted on the drain valve.
If the tightened drain valve continues to leak, you may have to replace it. However, this is a minor process and is relatively inexpensive.
Inlet and Outlet Pipe Connections Are Loose
This problem is similar to the previously stated problem, both in type and difficulty to fix. Check to see if the inlet and outlet pipe connections are fully secured. If they are loose, carefully tighten the connection with a wrench. In more extreme cases, faulty pipelines may have to be completely replaced.
Your Heater Has Built Up Too Much Internal Pressure
When there is a buildup of pressure in the heater, water is forced out through different parts of the tank in order to reduce the overall pressure. There are several causes of the buildup of too much pressure in your water heater, but the two most common are:
(1) The temperature could be set too high. Homeowners are often unaware of the proper temperature that their heater should be set to. The United States Department of Energy recommends setting your heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is adequately warm enough for enjoying a hot shower. Setting your heater to this temperature also avoids the buildup of pressure.
(2) Your heater’s temperature and pressure relief valve could be defective due to a buildup of sediment within it. This would call for a replacement of the temperature and pressure relief valve, which is a minor expense.
The Bottom of Your Tank is Corroding
This is one of the most common problems of leaks heater, and it is often present in older appliances. Although water heaters are designed to last a long time, anywhere from 8 to 12 years, they are prone to eventual corrosion. This is because it fills up with hard water, which contains minerals. These can cause a buildup of sediment at the bottom of your heater. This sediment will lead to the corrosion of the bottom of your tank.
This issue is not one to take lightly. Failure to act quickly on this issue can cause flooding in your home.
Unfortunately, this type of damage can only be corrected with the installation of a new water heater. It is advisable to enlist a professional plumber to do so, to ensure that your new heater works properly for the long-run.
Determining the cause of the leak in your water heater should be made easy with these tips and help you in guaranteeing your water heater is working adequately.
