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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Jordan and his team are very responsive and helpful with all questions and issues related to our septic system. I can reference them with the highest regards!
Jordan is a great guy who seems to genuinely care about delivering quality work. Not only did he fix the problem quickly and efficiently, but also pointed out that the ejector pump in my basement had installed the wrong kind and that there were some other parts used that are not up to code.
Had a great experience with Countryside. Called with a fairly urgent issue and Jordan was responsive and out the house fast. Spent hours diagnosing my problem. Prices were competitive and he took the time to explain the situation and options. Highly recommend.
I reached out to Countryside this past June when the pipe from my house to the septic tank broke. Jordan responded to my call quickly, gave me a very reasonable quote, and immediately fit me into his schedule- which I was extremely thankful for because my yard was getting pretty smelly. Jordan is an expert in his field.
Jordan and his crew at Countryside just installed and hooked up a new septic tank for us. We could not be happier with the result! They are professional, easy to talk to, and kind. We highly recommend them,
Jordan and his team are very responsive and helpful with all questions and issues related to our septic system. I can reference them with the highest regards!
Jordan is a great guy who seems to genuinely care about delivering quality work. Not only did he fix the problem quickly and efficiently, but also pointed out that the ejector pump in my basement had installed the wrong kind and that there were some other parts used that are not up to code.
Had a great experience with Countryside. Called with a fairly urgent issue and Jordan was responsive and out the house fast. Spent hours diagnosing my problem. Prices were competitive and he took the time to explain the situation and options. Highly recommend.
I reached out to Countryside this past June when the pipe from my house to the septic tank broke. Jordan responded to my call quickly, gave me a very reasonable quote, and immediately fit me into his schedule- which I was extremely thankful for because my yard was getting pretty smelly. Jordan is an expert in his field.
Jordan and his crew at Countryside just installed and hooked up a new septic tank for us. We could not be happier with the result! They are professional, easy to talk to, and kind. We highly recommend them,
Jordan and his team are very responsive and helpful with all questions and issues related to our septic system. I can reference them with the highest regards!
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