Leaking Water Heater? Learn How to Handle It Like a Pro
Imagine entering your basement and finding a puddle of water forming around your water heater. Soon, panic sets in. Not to mention, Water heater leaks instances are often a homeowner’s nightmare. The risks are expansive, from water wastage and fears of shocks to property damage and increased utility bills. Be it a leaking pipe or tank, with the right observations and techniques, you can handle the situation before it induces any harm.
That’s why the guide is here. So, follow this guide to recognize the source of the leak and take the required action immediately.
Know Your Water Heater Basics
Before you address a water heater leaking, you should understand the vital components of the appliance. Most residential water heaters are either tank-based or tankless. For this guide, we shed light on tank-style ones. And they include:
Tank
The water heater uses the tank for storage. Also, this is the place where your water is heated. Typically, the cylindrical tank is made of steel lined with glass or a relevant material to prevent corrosion.
Drain Valve
Generally, you can locate the drain valve near the bottom of the storage tank. Now, a drain valve handles draining the tank when required. Users typically report water dripping from the water heater through this drain valve.
Dip Tube (Inlet Pipe)
This particular tube lets cold water enter your tank-style geyser. Surely, the dip tube uses your home’s water supply to feed the appliance at the bottom of the storage or tank.
Thermostat
The temperature of the water inside the tank is controlled by none other than the thermostat.
Heating Element
Electric water heaters use distinct heating elements to heat the water inside your appliance. However, gas heaters use a burner to heat the water.
Anode Rod
To prevent tank corrosion, water heaters have a sacrificial rod made of aluminum or magnesium. This anode rod attracts corrosive elements from the feedwater.
Heat-Out Tube (Outlet Pipe)
After heating the water, the geyser uses the heat-out tube or outlet pipe to distribute the heated water to your home.
Temperature & Pressure Relief (or TP) Valve
Every water heater comes with a temperature and pressure relief valve. Indeed, it is designed to release water if the temperature or pressure surpasses safety levels.
Undoubtedly, understanding those parts will help you diagnose the source of the leak—be it a leaking pipe or a valve.
How to Identify the Source of the Leak – 5 Proven Methods
Do you notice significant water pooling around your geyser? Then, chances are that your water heater leaks. Now, to figure out the exact origin, here’s what you need to do:
1. Examine the Base of the Water Heater
Typically, the water heater tank falls victim to leaks more often. A water heater leaking through the tank can be on as it might be or show corroded storage. Perhaps your water heater is nearing the end of its life expectancy.
Generally, water heaters have a lifespan of about 10 to 12 years. If your unit is approaching that or has exceeded the lifespan, then fixing pipes won’t work. Rather, inspect the tank, especially the base, and consider replacing it if you find a leak.
2. Check the Drain Valve
The drain valve keeps draining water for the sake of the water heater’s maintenance. If you see the water heater leaking from the drain valve, then it may be loose or damaged. As a simple hack, you can tighten the drain valve. If the leak persists, then we recommend replacing the valve.
3. Pay Attention to the Temperature and Pressure Valve
As you already know, this specific valve deals with excessive pressure and temperature. While looking out for the leak, examine the temperature and pressure valves. If the valve drips water, then either:
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The tank is under too much pressure.
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Or, the set temperature is very high.
As a quick fix, you should check the thermostat, and it should not be above 120℉. Adjust the temperature settings. If this doesn’t help, then the valve might need replacement.
4. Get the Dip Tube and Heat-Out Tube Checked
Next, inspect the pipes connecting the water heater to your home. Look out for any signs of leaks or corrosion. Make sure that you check the connections and fittings for tightness. Often, a loose fitting might lead to water leakage. Fixing pipes is absolutely mandatory if you find them to be corroded or damaged.
5. Keep Your Eyes Open for Dampness and Water Stains
No luck with identifying the source of the water heater leaking yet? Don’t worry, as this hack will expose the source for sure. Now, look for water stains on the wall or floor. Such water stains may give clues about where the leak is coming from.
Additionally, water dripping from the water heater causes dampness. So, damp spots can reveal where water seeps through. Hopefully, this allows you to narrow down the source once and for all.
Steps to Tackle the Water Heater Leaking
Have you recognized the source of the water heater leaking? If yes, here are the necessary steps that you can take to effectively stop a water heater from leaking.
1. Disable the Power and Water Supply
Safety must come first, especially while handling electrical and plumbing conditions. Be it an electric or gas heater, here’s what you should do when you notice a leak first-hand.
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Turn off the circuit breaker that connects to your water heater if it’s an electric one.
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Otherwise, turn off the gas supply if the water heater is fueled by gas.
Afterward, shut down the cold water supply to prevent any extra water from entering the tank.
2. Empty the Tank
If the drain valve or tank is the source of the leakage, then it’s time to minimize the water damage. For that, you need to drain the tank. Start by attaching a garden hose to the drain valve and letting it run into a floor drain or anywhere outside.
Then, open up the drain valve and empty the tank. Soon, your water heater’s tank will be empty. However, remember to open up the pressure relief valve at the top of the tank. As a result, enough air will enter the storage tank, and the draining process will be faster.
3. Does Your Water Heater Need Minor Repairs?
If your water heater leaking is due to some minor inconvenience, then you might be able to make some temporary repairs until professionals arrive. In case the leak stems from a loose connection, then ensure that you tighten it with pliers or plumber’s tape.
Well, if it’s a leak from the temperature and pressure valve, then check if it functions properly. Otherwise, you might have to replace it. For leaks due to frayed or corroded pipes, replacing or fixing the pipes is the only way out.
4. Seek Expert Intervention
If you are unsure how to address a leaking water heater, then don’t delay in contacting a professional plumber. The moment you notice water dripping from water heaters, call a water heater technician or licensed plumber.
Indeed, a leaking tank typically refers to a unit that is beyond repair and requires replacement. And professional plumbers or technicians can help you with complex issues. On the other hand, they make sure that repairs are done properly and safely.
Ways to Prevent Future Leaks
Hopefully, you have successfully addressed the leak yourself or through a certified professional. However, it’s time to make sure that you don’t encounter the same mistake again. A little care and maintenance can serve you for the long term. So, here’s how you can prevent future issues and save your water heater from leaking:
1. Run Regular Maintenance
Hard water can force your water heater to face more sediment buildup. As a result, the anode rod might corrode more than usual. Consequently, your water heater becomes prone to developing a leak. So, schedule annual maintenance checks to examine your geyser regularly. Also, flushing the tank can restrict the sediment from accumulating.
2. Monitor Temperature Settings
Kindly refer to your water heater’s user manual to figure out the recommended temperature settings. Higher temperatures than that can risk the appliance with excessive pressure buildup. As a consequence, your water heater leaking incidents can occur due to temperature and pressure valve issues.
3. Maintain the Anode Rod
If possible, inspect your geyser’s anode rod every couple of years. Also, replace the anode rod if it has corroded to a considerable extent. Reportedly, an anode rod maintained in its pristine condition can extend your water heater’s longevity.
4. Install a Water Alarm
Want to prevent damage originating from a water heater leaking or damaged pipes? Then, you can install a water alarm near the geyser. Such alarms can alert you to leaks before significant damage occurs. And, you can take the necessary actions.
Final Thoughts…
Water dripping from water heaters can stress you out for natural reasons. However, it doesn’t have to be a disaster. If you understand the very basics of how a leak can occur in the first place, then you can prevent them from creating a bigger loss. So, adapt to proactive approaches, and your water heater will be serving you for years to come. Also, contact Urban Clap to fix your water heater or handle any plumbing emergency with finesse.