The last thing you want is to wake up and find a puddle of water at the bottom of your water heater. If you find a pool at the base of your water heater, you should know what the things to do to avoid other complications later.
In this article, we will discuss various aspects of hot water tank leaking, including how the water heater works, the likely causes of the problem, how to repair tiny leaks, when you will require the services of a water heater repair, and how you can avoid such issues in the future.
There might be a time when you require a professional to repair the water heater. Or perhaps, to bring it back to its optimal performance again, all it requires is a bit of fixing up. Okay, let us explain some tips that apply to you when you find yourself with a leaking water heater!
Some Common Reasons of Water Tanks Leak
The most common reasons that make water heaters leak include a worn-out or damaged pressure relief valve. This valve serves the purpose of preventing pressure build-up in the water tank, and when this valve fails, hot water starts to develop leaks. Other potential causes could include:
- A crack or rust on a water heater tank
- Slack joints and connections of pipes and fittings
- Temperature and pressure relief valve, which was not fixed correctly
- Corroded out anode rod to safeguard the hot water tank
What To Do If You Find Hot Water Tank Leaking
The following information will help you overcome this situation so you do not have to stand in front of your leaking water heater feeling like a fish out of water. Read on for some basic measures that any homeowner can do themselves, as well as fixes if they want!
Step 1. Check If It Is Your Hot Water Tank Leaking Water
The first step is to determine whether or not the water is a leak. Condensation is not a problem. Simply, it means the water heater is very hot while the room where it is placed is cold. You can determine it by wiping the surface of your water heater and then drying it. After that, turn your attention towards the surface of the material. If moisture appears across the surface, then it is most probably condensation.
After that, you should have to ensure the neighboring appliances are burnt or not. Is your HVAC system nearby? You can also look at whether it might be your AC leaking water or your furnace leaking water. You can lay some paper towels on the floor so you can see where the water is seeping.
Step 2. Turn Off the Power
When you are sure that it is the water heater that is producing moisture, the next step is to get the power supply off. You shouldn’t work on your water heater while it is connected to its source of power.
If you are with an electric water heater, locate your circuit breaker and shut the water heater switch in the OFF position.
On a gas water heater, the shut-off valve is usually placed at the base portion of the tank adjacent to the gas line.
Step 3. Shut Off the Cold Water Supply
The next thing you should do is to prevent the flow of cold water supply to your water heater. In fact, there are two pipes that come out of the top of your water heater tank. Almost all water heaters are fitted with a valve that is usually located on the cold inlet pipe of the water heater. This is where you get your water from. The cold water inlet pipe is a pipe that supplies cold water to the water tank. The warm outlet pipe, on the other hand, carries the hot water from the water heater into your home.
If the shutoff valve is a wheel that turns, then turn the valve towards the right until the valve is as tight as you can persuade it to be. In the case that you are dealing with a ball valve, you will need to rotate the handle 180 degrees or half a turn.
Step 4. Find out the source of the leakage
After you switch off your water and the power supply, you need to locate exactly where the leakages are so that you can be in a position to address it appropriately. It may be useful to try and find out where water pools and wash it. Then the next day, if you find the same place holding water, then you now know where to begin when dealing with your hot water heater leaking.
Water Leakage At Top Of Water Tank: Check Pipes
If you see a water leak on top of your water heater, look at the two pipes present on the surface of your water heater. It is called the cold water inlet pipe and the warm water outlet pipe. These ones supply water into the tank for heating and then supply hot water into the house for use. If their fittings or connections are loose, then this may be the cause of your leak. In this case, you can tighten the pipes with a pipe wrench.
Side or Bottom of Water Heater Tank Leaking
If you noticed that along the side of the steam, water was flowing down, then it could be the temperature and pressure relief valve, generally called the T&P valve. There is a safety device on all water heaters, typically referred to as a T&P valve, that lets water out if there is excessive pressure. If the water is dripping from the T&P valve, initially check if the thermostat is set high. This safety mechanism may be occasioned by high pressure if the temperature is too high, and this may lead to a lot of pressure.
It is recommended that the temperature of your tank-based water heater is set to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. But if the temperature has not been set too high and leakage continues, then chances are you have a valve problem. And if so, you have to address an expert to replace it.
However, at the lower end of the water heater there is a drain valve. This valve is used to release the water heater for cleaning. Heated water, if not properly controlled, may cause scalding water, so ensure that the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater is shut tightly. And if it is still leaking, then it can be loose. However, you should use a pipe wrench in a bid to turn the drain valve slightly to try tightening it. If you are still experiencing drips from your drain valve, you might need to replace it with a new one.
Hot Water Tank Leaking From The Bottom
If you have water accumulating around the base of your water heater tank without apparent reason, then you could very well have a cracked hot water tank. Sadly, a hot water heater repair will not be possible; the best course of action is a water heater replacement.
Step 5. Clean Up Water Heater Leak
Make sure to clear the water after washing. In fact, water can be the root of various issues. It might distort frames, harm belongings, and invite insects or even mold into the house! Ideally, it should be cleaned as soon as possible!
Repair or Replace Your Water Heater
Heaters are used in our homes to ensure that we feel comfortable, but they require maintenance regularly. If the water heater begins to leak water, then it is high time to make some changes in the system. You have to look for signs of damage, and if your water heater is over 10 years old or if you frequently have to make repairs, it may not be more cost-effective to get a water heater repair.
A new water heater comes with a host of advantages:
- High energy efficiency heating
- Have improved safety features
- More energy savings
- Have warranty
The new water heater can be expensive, whether it’s a tank or tankless heater, but it’s a long-term savings on monthly energy bills, and peace of mind will pay off in the end.
Don’t let a leaking water heater disrupt your day—trust Eddy Time Mechanical, Calgary’s experts in water heater repair and replacement.
Call us today for fast, reliable service!
403-948-2649