Fixing A Leaking Hot Water Heater

It is absolutely inconvenient to have a leaking water heater during chilly seasons. Starting your day by taking cold showers isn’t the best way in doing so. Perform regular water heater maintenance every six months to prevent this from happening. It is important to protect the internal tank from corroding by taking action immediately.

Do not forget to shut down the circuit breaker before carrying out repairs if you have an electric-powered unit. This is important since mixing water and electricity can pose serious dangers. If you have a gas water heater, close the gas supply valve to avoid unfortunate accidents.

Water leaks can cause the internal tank to corrode and deteriorate. This happens when the sediments buildup inside the tank over a long period of time. Drain and flush your water heater to prevent this from happening, especially if you have highly corrosive water. Remember to run the other end of the hose to a secure drainage to avoid scalding burns.

Check your anode rod regularly to help minimize the hard water minerals inside the tank. This rod protects the tank from corroding as it absorbs all the charged water molecules inside the tank. Once you see metal wiring around it, have it replaced immediately.

For leaky pipes, it is safe to assume that the plumbing connections are loosely joined. Use a wrench to adjust the pipe fittings or have them replaced if they are badly damaged. You can wrap a Teflon tape around the threading to stop water from leaking.

You can also replace a new galvanized pipe that is lined with plastic dielectric nipples. This task may require the help of a specialist since it involves soldering skills and great strength. The inlet and outlet connections should always be free of rust to avoid major leaking issues.

The relief valve should always be working at all times since this valve releases excessive pressure inside. This is essential to prevent the tank from overheating or blowing up. Observe the water flow by lifting and releasing the lever to see if the water continues to drip after closing the valve. If so, it is possible that you have a major plumbing problem that needs to be fixed immediately.

Do not hesitate to contact your local specialist if you need help in repairing your leaking water heater. Attempting to fix it on your own can result in a more expensive repair and worsen the situation at the same time.

Learn more about water heater repair tips . Stop by Carol Richardson’s site where you can find out all about water heater maintenance and how it can benefit you.

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