If your water heater is leaking, there are several possible causes. It could be a T&P valve, a gasket or a corrosion issue. It could also be due to lack of maintenance. These issues can be easy to diagnose and fix. If your water heater is leaking, here are some easy steps you can take to solve the problem.
T&P valve
Leaking water from a water heater can be quite an irritating problem, causing damage to your basement and reducing the overall efficiency of the heater. This problem is often associated with T&P valves that are not fully closed or that have opened. Over time, the components inside these valves degrade and become less effective.
Gaskets
The most common type of water heater gasket is made of rubber and is installed on electric water heaters. A water heater is equipped with several gaskets, one for each heating element. If one of the gaskets breaks, the water inside the tank will leak. This could be a small leak or a disastrous flood. A broken gasket can also damage the electrical connectors on the heating element. In addition, broken gaskets may lead to areas of rust on the tank.
Corrosion
Corrosion in water heaters occurs when metal parts in a heating system begin to corrode. This is due to the presence of oxygen in the water. Domestic hot water cylinders are typically lined with glass to minimize the risk of corrosion, but manufacturing processes often leave microscopic cracks. In addition, small areas of the steel cylinder shell may be exposed to water. Luckily, there are many ways to prevent corrosion.
Lack of maintenance
Leaking water from a water heater can be a serious problem. Not only can the water ruin your floors and walls, but you could also lose a lot of valuable possessions. As a result, you want to fix the leak as soon as possible. Luckily, there are several simple steps you can take to detect and fix water heater leaks.
Leaky pipes
If you notice water pooling near the bottom of your water heater, it’s a sign that the pipes that connect to the water heater are leaking. These pipes connect the water heater to the hot water inlet and the cold water exit pipe. The thinnest part of these pipes is called the nipple. If the nipple is leaking, you can check the threads that connect these pipes and tighten them. A leak in this area can lead to a water heater failure.
Leaky valves
If your water heater is leaking water, you may be dealing with a faulty overflow valve. Luckily, you can easily fix this issue without having to spend hundreds of dollars. Simply drain the water and check the valve to see if it is leaking. Otherwise, you can call a plumber to repair the valve.
Condensation
When your water heater leaks, you might notice some condensation on its surface. This should not be a big concern, however. In fact, it is quite common around water heaters due to the humidity and the differences in temperature. Tiny water droplets can form on the floor, water heater pipes, or body of the water heater. The water is just a by-product of water interacting with the metal.
Damage to surrounding area
Leaking water from a water heater can cause a lot of damage to your home. It can soak up the surrounding materials in your home, and it can also foster the growth of mold. Therefore, diagnosing a leak as soon as possible is essential to avoiding further damage.
If you need water heater repair or a new water heater replace in the East Valley including Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe and Chandler contact us for help.
