Why is My Water Heater Leaking?

If you’ve noticed that your water heater is leaking, it’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible. Water heater leaks can cause severe damage to your home and can lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly.

In this article, we’ll explore some common causes of water heater leaks and what you can do to fix them.

Causes Of Leakage In Water Heaters

Loose Drain Valve

One common cause of water heater leaks is a loose drain valve. The drain valve is located at the bottom of the water heater and is used to drain the tank when it needs to be cleaned or replaced.

If the drain valve is loose, water can leak out of the tank. To fix this issue, you’ll need to tighten the valve using a wrench. If the valve is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.

Loose Water Supply Line

Another common cause of water heater leaks is an open water supply line. The water supply line is the pipe that brings water into the tank. If the line is loose, water can leak out of the tank.

To fix this issue, you’ll need to tighten the connection using a wrench. If you find out the line is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.

Corrosion

As the water heater ages, the tank can begin to rust and corrode, which can cause holes to form. If you observe that your water heater is leaking and it’s an older model, corrosion is likely the cause.

Replacing the heater is usually your best bet in cases of a severely corroded tank.

Failed Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

The temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR) is a safety feature designed to release excess pressure and temperature from the tank. If the TPR valve fails, it can cause water to leak from the tank.

If you suspect the TPR valve has caused the leak, you’ll need to replace it.

Leaking Fittings

Leaking fittings can also cause water heater leaks. The fittings on your water heater, such as the inlet and outlet connections, can become loose or damaged over time, which can cause water to leak from the tank. You’ll need to tighten or replace the fittings to fix this issue.

Tank Failure

In some cases, the water heater tank itself may be the cause of the leak. If the tank has developed a crack or hole, it will need to be replaced. Tank failure is more likely to occur in older water heaters, so if you have an older model experiencing a leak, it’s worth considering tank replacement to solve the problem.

What You Need To Do When Your Water Heater is Leaking

If you’ve determined that your water heater is leaking, the first thing you’ll need to do is turn off the power and gas supply to the heater. This will prevent any further damage from occurring.

Next, you’ll need to identify the cause of the leak and take the appropriate steps to fix it. If you’re uncomfortable with repairing the issue, it’s best to call a professional plumber here at Countryside Plumbing Sewer and Septic for assistance.

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