Common Causes of a Leaking Water Heater
Most water heaters have a life expectancy of about 10-12 years, but you may have problems before that time. Here are some of the most common problems.
Most water heaters have a life expectancy of about 10-12 years, but you may have problems before that time. One of the most common problems is a leaking water heater, which can leave water pooled on the floor. If you notice this problem, don’t jump to the conclusion that you’ll need to replace your water heater right away. The solution depends on the cause of your leaking water heater.
Pressure Relief Valve: Examine your water heater and determine where it is wet on the outside of the unit. If the water is coming from your pressure relief valve, it may just be because the temperature is set too high. When the temperature is over 120 degrees, the heat can build up pressure, causing water to come out of the valve to relieve pressure buildup. Turning down the temperature is a simple solution.
Leaky Pipe Connections: The problem may not be with the water heater itself, but rather with the pipes that connect to your water heater. Check the connection of your cold water pipe going in, then examine the hot water pipe going out, being careful to not burn yourself. If the pipes are corroded or the fittings are loose, replacing or repairing these will solve your problem without having to replace the water heater.
Condensation: If the entire outside of your water heater is covered in small beads of water, your leaking water heater may not be leaking at all. Instead, you may just have condensation building up on the outside as the water heater fills with very cold water from the pipes and contrasts with the warmer temperature in the room.
Loose Drain Valve: Inspect the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater to see if it has become loose. If it has, tightening the valve with a wrench can solve the problem right away by stopping the drip coming from this valve.
Corrosion: The last major type of problem that can cause a leaking water heater is corrosion. An old water heater can actually end up with a hole in the wall of the tank after years of rust and corrosion. If this is the problem, you’ll need to have the water heater replaced.
