Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

If there is one thing a plumber knows for sure it is this: small leaks will eventually become big leaks. And everyone knows that leaking water – anytime, anywhere – is never a good thing. So, if you notice water leaking from your water heater, by all means take quick action to avoid potentially serious water damage to your home. Masters Heating & Cooling Inc. always recommends that homeowners should call a professionally-licensed plumber to diagnose and resolve any water heater issues. But it doesn’t hurt if you want to take a look at your water heater and see if you can determine where the leak is coming from and why it is leaking.

Water Heater Leaking

There are two main areas to inspect if your water heater has sprung a leak. The first is the drain valve, a spigot that is located near the bottom of the tank. If there is a leak at this spot, it can usually be easily fixed by a plumber by removing the valve and replacing it. If that is not the source of the leak, it is probably coming from the interior tank itself. This is usually not good news and most likely means a corroded tank that cannot be repaired. The only solution is to replace the water heater. There are a few other places to check, but here are the main causes for water heater leaks:

1. Loose or corroded water inlet lines. On top of the water heater are water lines for incoming cold water and outgoing hot water. These lines can become loose or corroded, resulting in a leak. A loose connection may be tightened and if corroded, a new line or coupling may be needed.
2. Excessive pressure. If your tank builds up too much pressure inside, it will force water out through the pressure relief valve. Mounting pressure is usually caused by water temperatures that are too hot. Check the temperature setting and if it is OK, then a new pressure relief valve may be needed.
3. Old, damaged, corroded tank. Over time, sediment from the minerals in the water will build up in the tank and may cause corrosion and a hole in the tank. Usually, this leak is more than just a trickle and will likely quickly grow to a big leak. The only remedy for this problem is to replace the water heater. 

Water Heater Professionals

We can’t stress enough the importance of quickly calling a plumbing professional if your water heater is leaking – don’t wait! Our plumbers have taken care of plumbing needs in the Fort Wayne, Decatur, Angola, Indianapolis, Greenwood and Mishawaka, IN areas since 1980 and we will get there ASAP to diagnose and fix the problem. Masters also offers the top of the line AO Smith traditional water heaters and tankless solutions from Navien. Call us today: Masters gets there faster.