A leaking water heater can make your day terrible. A water heater is one of the most-used appliances in the home. But, it is also one of the less-maintained. As your water heater ages, it starts to show signs of malfunctions.
A leaking water heater is one of the common problems by those who own a hot water system. You must check your water heater regularly. This is because water heaters are prone to small leakages that are usually unnoticeable.
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If hot water heater leaking is your problem, we have great news for you. In this post, we will share some tips to prevent water heater from leaking. Read on to know more about it.
What to Do With Leaking Hot Water Heater
When you notice even the smallest leak on your water heater, you must do something to fix it. Some of you may think that a leaking water heater could be just a minor problem. But for many, especially for those who need warm water every day, this could be a major inconvenience.
To help you out, we have prepared some of the steps you can follow to fix any leaking problems with your water heater.
Determine the Leak
Check your hot water system and determine where the leak is coming from. Usually, the leakages can be found in the pipes or tanks. So, make sure to check these parts first. If you notice that the leaks are coming from another source, you may be dealing with a different leakage issue.
Call Professionals
When you find out that your hot water system has leaks, the first thing that may come to your mind is fixing it yourself. Of course, you can make a DIY solution for hot water leakage. The question is, how sure are you that it will work?
Although hiring professional plumbers might not always be the first option, especially for those who are on a tight budget, this one is the most recommended and cost-effective solution. Once you have made an appointment with a professional contractor, all you have to do is to sit back, relax, and wait for them to finish the work.
A professional plumber has the knowledge and experience in fixing leakages and other problems regarding your hot water system.
Control the Situation
While waiting for the plumber to arrive in your area, the best thing you can do is to turn off the main water source. Doing so prevents any additional problems that may occur anytime.
Why Is My Hot Water Heater Leaking?
Once you notice a small leak on the water heater, most of you will just ignore it without thinking of the fact that it could get worse as time goes by. In fact, small leakages in most hot water systems can turn bigger in just one day. This means that a simple drip can lead to a major water burst.
The following are some of the possible causes behind your leaking water heater.
Leaking or Loose Pipe Joints
Pipe fittings may loosen over time. This may be because of extreme weather conditions in your area. If you have minor leaking or loose pipe, you can fix it by yourself. On the other hand, if the entire system has serious pipe damages, it would be great to hire a professional or purchase a new system.
Pressure Relief Valve
There is also a possibility that the leakage comes from the temperature and relieve valves. If your pressure relief valve continues to release water, the best thing you can do is to replace it with a new one.
Damaged Tank
One of the major reasons behind a leaking water heater is a damaged tank. There is a possible internal issue in your tank when you notice water dripping from it. In addition, leakages in your water tank may be caused by sprung internal components. You must fix this easily because a simple water leak can cause a pool of water in no time.
Conclusion
There are some cases of water heater leakages that can be repaired by a DIYer. But, most problems concerning your hot water system should be fixed by a professional plumber. When the damage is severe, replacing the entire system is recommended.
Luckily, there are tons of innovative hot water systems you can purchase in the market these days. You can find tank, tankless, electric, or gas-based hot water systems. Remember, when choosing a water heater, opt for the one that can meet your everyday demand.
We hope this article gave you knowledge on how to deal with a leaking hot water heater. Take note, hiring a professional plumber is a more cost-effective solution than fixing the leakage all by yourself. With a well-functioning water heater, you can always have a great morning.
Leaking Water Heater? Call The Pipe Doctor!
If you think your water heater is broken, and or needs a replacement, give our plumbing technicians a call at (206) 676-2192 or 1 (877) 234-9523. At the Pipe Doctor, we’re committed to giving affordable and reliable water heater repair and replacement service to the Seattle community. We’ll perform a thorough diagnosis of the problem, give advice as to whether or not you should replace your unit, and either repair or replace it for you!
The Pipe Doctor
12345 Lake City Way Ste 311 Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 676-2192
thepipedr@gmail.com
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