Overview: A water heater is a blessing for homeowners unless it starts leaking and you don’t know what to do. Let’s find out how to make it work the way it should.

Water heater leaks are one of those potential problems that many homeowners overlook. Since water heaters are located in places we rarely visit — our attics, our utility closets, the far corners of our garages — it’s easy for us to forget they’re even there. When they’re functioning as expected, water heaters are a perfect illustration of the familiar phrase “out of sight, out of mind.” We’re only reminded of their existence when a problem arises – and that point, it’s often already too late to prevent damage.

We don’t want you to face the frustration of annoying water heater issues, so we’re here with some helpful info on how to evaluate problems with this essential appliance. This info should make your life easier – and it might just help you save water. The EPA has reported that leaks can result in the average American household wasting 10,000 gallons of water per year. In a worst-case scenario, a household with poor plumbing can waste up to 32,850 gallons each year. Let’s make sure we’re all playing our role in saving water.

The Reasons Why Your Water Heater Is Leaking

Drain Valve Leakage:

One of the common reasons for water leaking, mainly from the bottom of the tank, is that the drain valve is not entirely closed or is faulty. Since drain valves are used to drain out the sediments gathered at the bottom, there’s a chance that they may start leaking due to pressure or because they’re blocked by solid objects. If your drain pipe leaks, it may not be damaged – it’s possible that it’s simply not entirely closed. Try loosening the drain valve slightly and allowing some water to drip out. Also, check the knob and ensure it’s completely tightened.

Now, if the water stops dripping, congratulations! But if the leak continues, the valve itself is faulty and is in dire need of replacement – either by you or a proficient plumber. The leak will get worse with time, so we recommend you resolve the issue as soon as you can!

 The Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves:

If valves deal with too much pressure, they’ll start malfunctioning. The leakage may also stem from the water heater raising the temperature excessively – leading to damage to the temperature and pressure relief valve. To avoid these components leaning towards leakage, flush and clean your tanks once a year to eliminate sediment build-ups.

Internal Tank Leak:

Another common reason for water heater leaks is the tank itself – let’s explain how. The most typical reason for a faulty tank is the failure to remove sediments effectively. This is particularly common in areas with hard water – so if you’re living where hard water is present, make sure you flush your tank and remove sediments twice a year. If you don’t, the residue that builds up will contribute to corrosion and damage to the tank.

Related Reading: Hard water vs soft water: all you need to know about water softeners

Gradual Aging:

They say whatever goes up must come down – just like any other equipment in your home, water heaters are also susceptible to the deteriorating effects of aging. However, compared to other household appliances, water heaters are quite durable.

They can last up to ten years without any maintenance – this durability makes them well worth the money you invest to purchase and install them. Still, ten years flies by in the blink of an eye, and you may lose track of how old your heater is.

When you buy a water heater, hold on to your receipt. Should the appliance start to malfunction, you’ll be able to check the receipt and see precisely when you purchased it. The issues you’re having could be an indication that it’s time for your water heater to be replaced.

In Summary:

A leaky water heater can be a big deal if you don’t tackle it in time. If your water heater is leaking from the valve or around the bottom, it’s best to contact the pros at Pipe It Right. We can examine your water heater and determine the root cause of the problem – and we’ll provide maintenance and repairs at affordable prices. Contact us today to get the help you need!