A water heater is an essential addition to your home. Not only does it keep you from having cold showers, but it also helps supply hot water whenever you need it. Because of this, it can be quite concerning if you find out that your water heater is leaking.
A leaking water heater can pose risks at home when left unfixed. Which is why it helps to know where to check if you are in doubt. A leak can come from different locations in your unit. Leaks can happen on the top and bottom of the water heater and even inside, which can be spotted easier by an expert.
Leaking Water Heater Causes and How To Fix Them
Proper maintenance procedures for your water heater can keep it running smoothly since factors such as a tank’s age, pressure, and overall state contribute to this problem. There can be various reasons why your water heater is leaking. Here are some of the causes and how to fix them.
Damaged Temperature and Pressure Release Valve
The temperature and pressure release valve help maintain the pressure in your water tank. When this becomes loose, the pressure in the tank increases and causes a leaking water heater. Simply tightening the valve can fix the problem. If it is still leaking, then it might need to be replaced.
Leaking Drain Valve
The drain valve is found near the bottom of your water heater. It is used to empty the tank which is mainly done for maintenance, so it should be regularly cleaned. If not, sediment build-up can occur and cause the drain to malfunction, resulting in a leak. Opening the valve to flush out any debris can help fix this. Since it is also prone to loosen over time, tightening the drain valve is another option that can help.
Malfunctioning Inlet and Outlet Connections
A leaking water heater happens when its inlet and outlet pipes start to loosen. It can be troublesome if this happens, since they are responsible for directing hot water through water fixtures. This problem can be solved by tightening the connection with a pipe wrench. If the leak persists, it may need to be repaired or replaced by an expert.
Hire a Professional Today
Although it’s helpful to know how to fix a leaking water heater, it’s still better to have professional’s recommendation. If your water heater is leaking, reach out to our professional plumbers at HJ Pertzborn Plumbing & Fire Protection. We provide quality water heater repair, installation, and replacement services in Madison, WI.