"Why is there water near the water heater? This can't be good; Oh, no! The water heater is leaking — and replacing it can be expensive, what now"? Does this scenario sound familiar to you? Obviously, it does, or you wouldn't be here, right?
First things first, you're correct, replacing a water heater can be expensive. However, the good news is that just because your water heater has a leak does not automatically mean that you have to purchase a new one. There are steps that need to be taken to determine what is causing the leak. And if it even warrants a replacement. N&J Plumbing has put together a few tips to answer some of the most common questions about water heaters and leaks.
When you notice a small dribble of water on your floor, the normal instinct is to just clean it up and your floor will incur no damage. However, that small dribble may become a constant thing. So you could be looking at a puddle or flood that will damage your floors and possibly drywall over time. That is also the point at which you will start to incur an expensive replacement.
This is why it is essential to swiftly identify where the leak originated from. And how urgent the repair should be to prevent further damage. You may be able to see where the leak is coming from. However, when dealing with water heaters and things of the like, it is always best to allow a professional to rectify the issue in accordance with all laws and guidelines for the safety of yourself as well as your family.
Or you could make it worse if you don't know what you're doing as well as what to look for. A professional plumber will evaluate two specific areas. This is in an effort to determine the origin and severity of the leak. However, there are a few more to consider, which we've included below.
You can inspect these areas yourself before contacting a plumber to give them an idea of what is wrong and what equipment they will most likely require to repair or replace your water tank.
On the flip side, if the tank itself has a leak, uh oh, this could mean trouble. When this happens, the probable cause is normally that the sediment has accrued and over time has caused corrosion at the bottom of the tank. This is critical and will likely call for a complete water heater replacement.
This is located at the bottom end of the tank. The drain valve is a spigot that is tasked with flushing the sediment from your water heater. If the leak is found to be here, then this would be great news. The drain valve can promptly be replaced at an affordable rate.
This valve is an integral part of ensuring that your water heater is functioning properly and is assessing the pressure as well as the water temperature inside the tank. If the tank overloads with pressure or the water get too hot, the valve will drain water from the tank. If this valve does prove to be the culprit, you will likely see water leaking from the valve, down the side of the tank.
You need a new valve if this happens to be the scenario. Maybe your current one is broken, or maybe there's too much pressure inside the water tank, itself. If this is the situation, it will respond by forcing the water out through the temperature and pressure valve in an attempt to avert a major issue. You will need a licensed plumber to diagnose this issue.
If the origin of your leak is due to a hot or cold water inlet or outlet, you have lady luck on your side because this is an easy and inexpensive fix. You simply need to just check the outlet pipes and the inlet pipe to determine if they are loose or not. If this does pan out to be the issue, just get your wrench from the toolbox and tighten it up, or if it's the pipeline itself, just replace the pipeline that's faulty.
If you've noticed a water heater leak or any leak for that matter — or if you just have questions about a different plumbing issue or plumbing emergency — contact N&J Plumbing today. A member of our team will be happy to answer your questions 24/7 at (860) 530-2325. In the meantime, check out our blog over here.
*Financing available through Synchrony Bank. Financing is based on credit approval.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a manufacturer and customer relationship. N&J Plumbing LLC is licensed & insured for the job. Call (860) 965-0352
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