A water heater is commonly a basic need for a comfortable home. It saves you time and cost in maintaining a hot water system throughout the home and is convenient for you as a homeowner. Any problem in your water heater that causes leakage needs immediate attention or help from a professional plumber. Some of the causes of water heater leakage include:
Faulty Draining Valve
Most draining valves are made of plastic which fits well on the water heater tank. A rubber gasket is used to tighten the valve. After some time, the rubber wears out, leading to the drain valve being loose. The plastic valve can also be faulty if not checked well upon installation leading to leakage a few hours later. Metallic drain valves rust with time due to different water chemicals causing leakage in your draining valve.
Water leakage creates stain trails on the walls and floor around the water heater system, helping you notice any leaks. A musty smell is also commonly caused by molds in a damp place. The musty smell helps you to know that your water heater is leaking and call to action for its repair.
Broken Temperature & Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve
TPR valve normally ensures that your water heater pressure is maintained below pressure of 150 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) and 210 degrees Fahrenheit, making it safer to use at home. Above these conditions, the valve opens and relieves the pressure inside the tank. Most water heaters have installed TPR valves on top or the side of the water heater. They may leak due to the valve not being fixed well or dirt closing the relief port, causing the water to leak out. When the TPR starts to leak, call a plumber in Weatherford, TX to help you fix the problem by replacing it with a new TPR.
Cracked Water Tank
A good water tank is the most crucial component in a water heater system. The water tank can leak due to a crack on the tank’s top, side, or bottom. This may be caused by not cleaning the tank regularly and checking for any faults or cracks. The minerals in the water heater also cause the tank to “wear out” with time, making it prone to burst and possible leakage. If your water heater tank cracks up, the best solution is to hire a plumber in Weatherford, TX to help you to replace it.
The cracked tank sips extra water flow that is not being used or cannot be used in your home. Water is necessary and must be preserved at all costs by avoiding leakages in your household.
Water wastage caused by cracked tanks can be noticed by a higher bill than the normal price you pay. This extra cost puts you in financial constraints that can be avoided if there is no leakage.
Another way to notice a cracked water tank is by using a water heater leak alarm, especially if nobody is around, to keep checking for your water heater leakage. Maybe you are away or busy at work, but having a water heater leak alarm can save your home from adverse leakage effects. The alarm shuts down the water intake.
Loose Connection
The water heater system normally has two pipes, one for cold water into the tank and another for hot water into your house. Both pipes can cause leakage if they are loosely connected or worn out after using them for some time. Depending on your water heater line pipes, the plumber can help you fix the leakage with an ordinary wrench.
Most households prefer having their water heater tanks placed in the basement of their houses. Water leakage through loose connections might filter into your wall, weaken your house’ foundation and cause cracks in your walls. In the long run, your home might be unfit for occupation due to a leak that seems so simple.
Excess Water Pressure
The water heater creates pressure as the water temperature increases. Under excess pressure and if the tank has a crack, it will cause leakage. Water heaters also break and leak during the warm spring months due to the difference in pressure in and out of the water tank. Water heater setting temperatures should be adjusted to the change in pressure, and your tank must have extra space just in case of high pressure; an expansion tank is also better to keep the excess water when the pressure is high. Water pressure can be noticed if there is a burst when you open your tap at first or when there is a popping sound in your water pipes coming into the house.
Pipe Corrosion
Pipe corrosion is the destruction of the pipe by an electrochemical reaction between the pipe and water elements. This damage causes the pipe to rust or even break, leading to leakage in your water heater. Galvanic corrosion is the most common in water heaters where copper and steel in the metal mix dissolve the pipe. This corrosion is a mud-like substance that keeps building and eating up the pipes as years go by, starting with little-to-notice leaks and then bursting up with time. A plumber fixes corrosion by draining your tank and replacing the corroded pipes with new ones.
Regular Inspection Is the Way to Go
When you have a plumber check your water heater system regularly, they will notice pipe corrosion around your water heater. During the plumber maintenance visits, they can repair or even replace your water heater system pipes, saving you leakage costs.
Need a Plumbing Professional?
Water heater leakage can cause distress, but a plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth in Weatherford, TX is here to ensure your home comfort is not interrupted. We have qualified and professional plumbers who can help you fix your water heater problems. Contact us today for a free consultation and the best quality service.