8 Reasons Why Your Water Heater May Be Leaking
Plumbing issues can be tied to several factors, especially water heater leaks. These leaks can stem from a variety of situations, so it can be hard to narrow down what exactly is going on within your water heater, making repairs all the more difficult. Should you ever have a leak in your water heater, it could do you some good to know where it is coming from, that way you have more or less of an idea regarding what kind of service you will need. We’re here to help you understand a bit more about what could be taking place in your water heater.
Pressure Build-Up
Just like any other plumbing fixture, water heaters are prone to dealing with pressure issues. Pressure often occurs in water heaters when the hot water creates steam and fills the empty space. When the steam has nowhere to travel, the pressure will rise and cause cracks in the heater to relieve the steam. If water temperatures are too high too often, water will travel at high pressures and damage the pipes.
Faulty Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
This valve is responsible for relieving the pressure that builds up in the water heater tank. Should this valve fail to work, pressure in the tank will immediately increase. With that, pressure can cause leaks and cracks. Sometimes if a valve is loose, it can be tightened. If the problem is not solved with a tightening, the piece will most likely require a replacement.
Old Tank
Just like any other unit in your home, water heaters can wear down with time. As time passes, parts start to work slower and the water may not be able to sustain heat as well as before. Leaks are also more likely the older your water heater is. Leaks due to old age often occur due to rust forming in the tank. This can cause corrosion of the tank, allowing water to exit through cracks.
Collection of Sediments
Not only can water heaters build pressure and rust, but they can also collect sediments at the bottom of the tank. This is rarely an issue for those who regularly clean the water out of their heating tanks. Those who go long without draining the tank to clean it can expect sediment buildup, and cracks will shortly start to form. These cracks will do just the same: allow water to leak through.
A Cracked Storage Tank
When minerals build up in your tank, they calcify on the glass and can cause it to crack and leak water. This often happens in water heaters that have an additional tank to expand how much water they can hold. These additional tanks often use glasses to line the tank. This is only a problem to be concerned about if you have an additional tank in your water heating unit.
Broken Drain Valve
Drain valves are located at the bottom of each water heater tank. They are responsible for draining the system of water that way it performs to the best of its ability. The bad thing about this process is that it can collect residue over time and cause damage to the inside of the tank. If water is leaking from the bottom of the water heater or from the nozzle, it could be due to a broken or loose drain valve.
A Damaged Hot Water Tank
There can be several kinds of damage done to a water tank. Whether it be age, corrosion, rust, sediment, or calcium buildup, these very well not only lead to water leaks but could call for a full water heater tank replacement. It doesn’t matter if a leak stems from an internal or external issue, you should get your water tank assessed right away.
Corroded Anode Rod
The anode rod is a part of the water heater that attracts corrosive material to keep it from building up. This is to ensure the rod takes care of buildup and corrosion instead of the water heater itself. When the rod completely corrodes, water is more easily able to leak through the area. Once you notice this, a quick replacement of the part should be able to take care of the leak.
Get Your Water Heater Inspected by the Professionals at New Age Plumbing
There could be a number of reasons why your water heater is leaking, but in order to treat the problem, you must first address where it’s coming from. By hiring the plumbing professionals at New Age, we can assess your entire water heating unit and provide a solution right away. Contact us online or call (915) 822-1865 to get an inspection done, today.