Plumbers in Arlington, TX – In the event that you find water pooling up beneath your water heater it could be a major problem that may require finding reputable plumbers in Arlington, TX. A water heater leak at the bottom of the tank is the most common place where a water heater leak will be and is a cause for concern.  In this article we will discuss what exactly could be the cause for the water heater leak and we will give a step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot and undertake fixing the leak.

If you haven’t already looked for plumbers in Arlington, TX and you want to determine the exact location of the leak yourself then there are three major areas to look at on the water heater.  These three areas are from the temperature and pressure relief valve, drain valve and the tank itself.

Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve – The purpose of this valve is to release water if there is too much pressure within the tank, or if the water inside the tank has become too hot.  The valve comes equipped with a discharge tube that will run from the valve itself to the floor.  The purpose of this tube is to ensure that if any water leaks from the valve then it will be safely guided downwards, towards the floor.
In the event that there is a water puddle at the bottom of your tank, inspect the discharge tube for any water. If you find any water, then the most likely issue is the temperature and pressure relief valve.  The valve may be faulty or there is too much pressure within the water tank.  Your best option would be to get professional plumbers in Arlington, TX to inspect it for you.

Drain Valve Leak – The drain valve is located at the bottom of the water heater tank. This valve’s purpose is to drain the tank and remove any sediment within it to prevent the sediment from building up and eventually causing damage to the inside of the tank.  Whenever the valve becomes faulty, water will begin leaking from the valve and pooling up at the bottom of the tank.   A leaking drain valve is easily fixed but if you are not sure what to do it is best to find plumbers in Arlington, TX to handle this for you.

Tank Leak – In most cases water leaks come from the tank itself. In the event that your water heater tank is leaking, there is an internal issue, and most likely one of the water heater components has broken down, causing water to slowly escape and pool up at the bottom of the water heater tank.  The likely culprit for the reasoning behind this is that sediment has built-up inside the tank and it has been in there long enough that it has begun to crack and rust the tank. If you are unsure you should seek out plumbing service in Houston to assess the tank and determine the problem.

Prevent Further Water Damage

If you have located the source of the leak, then the next step is to turn off the water and power to your water heater to prevent further water damage. There should be a sticker located on your water heater explaining how to shut it down.  However, if you cannot find the sticker then you can follow the steps outline below:

Turn off the Power

Electric Water Heater – To turn off electric water heaters you will need to go to your main electric panel and shut it off from there. Electric water heaters should have their own dedicated 240 volt breaker so when you flip the switch it should not affect any other appliances in your home.

Gas Water Heater – To turn off a gas water heater there should be a dial located on the side of the tank near the bottom. Simply just turn the dial to the OFF position.

Turn Off the Water Supply

There will be a water supply inlet located at the top of your water heater. This is where the water enters the tank.  It will either be a lever or a dial that is located on the inlet.  To shut off the water supply, if it is a dial, you will turn the dial clockwise to cut off the water. If it is a lever then you will simply position it to the closed position which will typically be parallel to the pipe .

What’s Next?

After determining the location of the leak and shutting off power and water to your water heater you will need to decide on what to do next.  If you are uncertain of what to do or how to fix it then you will most definitely need to have professional plumbers in Arlington, TX to further diagnose the problem.

Water heaters typically have a life expectancy of around 10 years, depending on the fuel source used to power the water heater.  Depending on the age of your water heater, regardless of the source of the leak, it may be more cost-effective to look into replacing your old water heater with a newer, energy-efficient model. If you are uncertain of what should be looking for you can get professional plumbers in Arlington, TX to determine the best fit and size for your home.

About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, Texas

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, TX has professional plumbers in Arlington, TX servicing Fort Worth and surrounding areas. Our experienced, courteous and friendly plumbers provide on time plumbing related services to not only Arlington but surrounding areas also. If you are in need of a professional plumber that you can count on for plumbing repairs, maintenance and / or installation then you can count on us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, Texas.

Ben Franklin Plumbing is a leader in the field for plumbing related repairs. We are also one of the most trusted plumbing service brands in the industry with high standards of service that you can rely on. When you contact us you can rest assured knowing that you are receiving the best plumbers in Arlington, TX.  Our commitment to service and excellence is reflected in our stone solid A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. If you have a plumbing related problem in your home or business and you need help, do not hesitate to contact us today. Our professional, courteous and friendly plumbers in Arlington, TX will be more than happy to assist you and answer any of your questions and schedule an appointment with you to assess the plumbing related problem and resolve it at your earliest convenience. Give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, Texas a call today if you are looking for professional plumbers in Arlington, TX. If there’s any delay, it’s you we pay®