It’s never a good feeling when you discover your water heater is leaking. If you’re like many homeowners, you might feel overwhelmed because you don’t even know what’s causing the leak. Since there are many components in water heaters, there are several issues that could be causing the leak.
At After Hour Plumbing & Drain, we’re here to help you determine what’s causing pesky water heater problems. We perform frequent water heater repair services in Monterey, so we’re familiar with the most common culprits of water escaping from your heater.
What Causes A Water Heater Leak?
There are a few different reasons your water heater could be leaking. Since the system is made up of many parts and components, there are more opportunities for it to malfunction. Occasionally, the location of the leak can guide you to the source.
Damaged Or Loose Pipes
If the water drips from the top of your system, the pipes that deliver cold water or transport hot water may be cracked or loose. Try tightening the connections with a wrench, and see if the leak stops. If water is still escaping from the tank, you might need to replace one or more of the pipes.
Drain Valve Malfunction
If the leak is coming from the bottom of the heater, your drain valve may be slightly open or defective. Try tightening it slightly, and see if the water is still leaking from the spout. A faulty drain valve will leak even when it’s been tightened and will need replacement.
Cracked Tank
If the leak isn’t coming from the drain valve, there may be a crack in the tank. In this case, you’ll need to replace it. Sometimes, the tank will corrode, which leads to a crack. This is usually caused by a corroded anode rod, a part of the water heater that prevents whole-tank corrosion.
Loose Gaskets
Sometimes, water will leak from the side of your water heater. If you have an electric water heater, the internal gaskets could be loose. Replacing the gaskets requires the tank to be fully drained, and you might have to remove some insulation.
Faulty Pressure Relief Valve
If you have a gas heater, the pressure relief valve may be leaking liquified steam. To fix this problem, turn off the water heater and contact a professional plumber for assistance. When the tank is too hot, the pressure can rise, leading to a build-up of steam in the pressure relief valve or even an explosion!
How To Prevent Water Heater Leaks
A leaking water heater is never fun. It can cause property damage and huge messes that can be dangerous if the water is too hot. Thankfully, regular maintenance helps minimize the chances of a heater leak.
One of the best ways to keep your heater functional for many years is to perform or schedule regular flushes. Although you can schedule a repair service if the tank begins to leak, it’s better to schedule preventive maintenance to catch problems before they grow more severe. It will also lengthen the lifespan of your system!
Reliable Water Heater Repair Services In Monterey
If you’re dealing with a water heater leaking in Monterey, After Hour Plumbing & Drain has your back. Our team of technicians has the experience and the skillset to correct any of your plumbing problems. You can expect home systems that operate at peak efficiency in no time. Contact our team to schedule your next repair service!