Drip, drip goes your water heater on the floor. It has been damaging your walls, floors and sub-floors… Oh darn, it has now even got mold and mildew involved!
This is getting worse and you need to do something about it.
So why is your water heater leaking anyway?
Well, there can be several possible reasons. Let’s walk through them one by one.
Leaky Water Supply Lines
The first place to check are the inlet/outlet pipes supplying water to your water heater. These pipes can be found installed above the water heater.
If there is a leak in the inlet/outlet pipes, or the valves connected to them, a drip can easily work its way down to the floor, and make it look like that it’s your water heater which is leaking.
What should you do?
Feel around the pipes to check for any loose fittings or signs of wear. Tie a piece of cloth around the pipes and valves. Leave the cloth tied overnight. If the next morning you find the cloth wet, it’s definitely the pipes that are responsible for the leak.
Call a plumber to get the pipes replaced.
Faulty T-and-P Valve
The T-and-P valve is designed to release pressure from your water heater if the temperature inside the tank of your water heater tank gets too hot, or the water pressure inside it exceeds to critical levels. The valve releases pressure in the form of steam, which is contained and condensed by a discharge tube connected to the valve. The discharge tube then safely directs and drains the condensed steam towards the floor.
A faulty T-and-P valve would allow water to be released from your water heater, even if the temperature and pressure inside the tank are below the threshold limits. This can cause water to puddle around your water heater.
What should you do?
If you believe there is a problem with your water heater’s T-and-P valve, have it checked by a professional. If they confirm it, replace the valve with a new one.
Damaged Tank
The tank of your water heater is worn down over time and develops cracks and leaks. This process can be accelerated if the water in your house has high salt content. High salt water, or hard water, rusts the tank faster and significantly reduces the life of your water heater.
Damaged internal tank signals bad news and almost always means that your water heater will need to be replaced.
What should you do?
Confirm that the leak is actually coming from the tank of your water heater. Normally, when the tank leaks, it causes major flooding and not small dripping. Still, you should have your water heater inspected by a professional and licensed plumber. If they tell you that it’s the tank that’s leaking, you’ll have to invest in a new water heater.
Leaky Drain Valve
The drain valve is located at the bottom of your water heater. It is used to flush water (and sediments) from the tank in order to perform maintenance.
Sometimes, this drain valve can get damaged and develop a leak. This leak from the drain valve can cause water to pool around the bottom of your water heater.
What should you do?
Check if the drain valve is dripping. A dripping drain valve indicates a leak. Replace your leaky drain valve with a new one.
Don’t let your leaky water heater sit for long; get it repaired immediately.
If you live in Arlington, TX and are looking for a reliable plumbing company to have your water heater repaired, give us a call; our Arlington water heater repair experts will be happy to serve you.
