What Causes a Water Heater to Leak?

1
What Causes a Water Heater to Leak?
2

• When was the last time you stepped into a cold
  shower and actually enjoyed it? Water heaters add
  comfort to our everyday lives and we often take
  them for granted when they are working properly.

3

• We will all eventually come to experience the day
  where we step into the shower and are smacked in
  the face with cold water or experience low water
  pressure and lukewarm temperatures when trying to
  wash the dishes.

4

• Both of these issues can be causes by a leak in
  your water heater and knowing what to look for
  will make fixing it that much faster (and
  easier!).

5

• Drain Valve
• One of the many common causes for a water heater
  to leak is a loose drain valve. You may attempt
  slowly tightening the value with a wrench until
  snug. May sure to slowly tightened as over
  tightening can break the valve and cause a bigger
  problem.

6

• Too Much Pressure
• If there is too much pressure built up inside of
  your tank, the excess pressure will push water
  out of the tank, typically from the top of the
  unit or through one of the valves. There are
  various reasons pressure can build inside your
  tank. For this issue, we highly recommend having
  a licensed plumber, such as Plumbing 911, to come
  help as these types of issues left unresolved can
  create an emergency situation.

7

• Aging Tank
• The average water heater lasts an average of 8-14
  years. Most water heaters come with a 6-year
  manufacturer warranty on the tank and parts.
  There are brands that are better built than
  others too, but the lifespan can be lessened
  based on water quality, usage and other factors.
  As your water heater approaches the end of its
  lifespan, it may begin to rust and corrode.

8

• As the corrosion worsens, water will begin to
  leak out of your tank, typically from the bottom
  of the unit. If this occurs, this is an
  unfortunate sign that its time to replace your
  water heater. You will want to call Plumbing 911
  as soon as you see water leaking from the bottom
  of the unit, as delaying can allow the inside
  core of the tank to complete collapse thus
  flooding your home with 40 gallons of water.
  Plumbing 911 is able to come out and install
  water heaters same day to prevent this nightmare
  from occurring.

9

• Condensation
• Condensation on your hot water heater is
  completely normal, but many homeowners will
  confuse it for a water heater leak. Since this is
  not caused by a major problem, simply wipe down
  the outside of your water heater to remove the
  condensation.
• To schedule your appointment for service, repair,
  or installation of a new hot water heater, call
  Plumbing 911 toll free at [phone].