Reasons Why Your Water Heater Is Leaking

Having a leaking water heater is inconvenient, especially if it has been down in your basement for a long time. You may encounter unnecessary disasters that can put your life at risk if you let water puddles stay near the water heater. Read on to know the reasons why your water heater leaks.

Avoid major accidents by shutting down the heating source and the cold water valve of the heater before carrying out repairs. If you think you cannot handle repairing your unit on your own, contact a specialist immediately.

You probably have loosely joined plumbing connections. Simply adjust the fittings with a wrench or if the pipes are badly damaged, replace them immediately. To know where the leaks are coming from, look for rust stains around the unit. You can also use a Teflon tape or a sealant to stop water from leaking.

The relief valve is more likely to open if the temperature inside the tank is too high. Pressure and water will be released every time the relief valve opens. Change the thermostat settings between 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize the pressure buildup. Do not allow bacteria to grow rapidly by not setting the temperature too low.

Water dripping from the relief valve can indicate that the valve is faulty. Replace it as soon as possible for this safety valve is responsible for protecting the tank from over pressurizing or exploding. Observe the water flow by testing its lever.

Once you see water puddles near the base of the unit, it is safe to assume that the internal tank has completely corroded. At this point, you are left with no choice but to buy a replacement unit. This happens when the hard water minerals inside the tank are left for a long period of time. You can minimize the sediments from building up by draining and flushing the tank regularly.

If you live within an area of a colder climate, your water heater can leak more often due to condensation. This happens when cold water enters the tank filled with warm water. Wait for a couple of minutes since water will stop leaking as soon as the unit starts heating water.

If your heating system continues to leak, it is best to contact a specialist right away. Do not proceed if you don’t have the right tools in repairing your unit. Remember, it is risky to fix a water heaterwithout professional help since it can pose serious dangers to your household.

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.

Home & Family, hot water heater repair, water heater leaking, water heater maintenance, water heater repair, water heater repair tips, water heater replacement, water heater specialist