There are many reasons why your water heater might start leaking, so it’s important to pay attention to the warning signs of leakage before things get serious. If you know what the signs of a leaky water heater are, and if you keep up with your water heater’s maintenance, then you can prevent a major catastrophe from happening to your home.
In order to understand why your water heater is leaking, and what the warning signs of that leakage are, this article will explain the most common causes of water heater leaks and the warning signs that they present.
Tips for Preventing Water Heater Leaks
This one’s pretty simple, so I won’t spend too much time on it. The most important thing you can do for your water heater is to make sure that it gets regular maintenance and water heater repair work when something goes wrong. If you think your water heater is leaking and have any reason to believe there may be an issue with its plumbing or its connection to your home, contact a licensed plumber like Water Heater Express right away.
Let’s look at some of the common causes of water heater leaks, as well as what you can do about them:
1) The first common cause of water heater leaks is sediment buildup within your tank or on its tank components. You might not see sediment until after you’ve noticed that your water heater has sprung a leak, but there are some telltale signs that you can watch out for. For instance, you might notice an overall weakening in hot water pressure and temperatures; if there’s more cold water than hot coming out of your taps, that’s also an indication that something could be wrong with your tank. It won’t take long before you notice rust stains on sinks and bathtubs and showers!
2) Second, water heaters often experience electrical problems as they age; these problems may lead to circuit breaker tripping and electrical malfunctions, which eventually causes water heaters to start leaking. If you have an older electric water heater in your home—or even one without automatic safety shut-off mechanisms—it’s crucial that you have them professionally inspected at least once per year.
3) Last, water heaters sometimes develop cracks or holes from exposure to intense heat or from putting too much stress on their tank walls. Again, it’s important that you don’t try to diagnose any potential water heater issues yourself; if you suspect your water heater is leaking, call Water Heater Express right away so we can come to check it out for you!
How Do I Fix A Water Heater That Keeps Leaking?
Water heaters can be very reliable appliances if you keep up with maintenance. If your water heater has begun leaking, however, it may be time for a repair or replacement. To keep costs down and avoid hazards, follow these steps when dealing with a leaky water heater:
1) Call in help: You should never try to fix your water heater yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing. A gas leak could cause an explosion; electrical leaks can shock you or burn down your house. It is best to leave water heater repairs to a trained professional.
2) Turn off the power source: Before attempting any repairs on your water heater, turn off its power source and remove its plug from its outlet.
3) Drain out old water: The next step is draining out all of the old water that’s currently in your tank before replacing it with new hot water. Use a hose to drain it directly into your sink or outdoors—just make sure not to spill any water anywhere near your breaker box.
4) Let’s revisit step number 1… are you confident this is a DIY project you want to tackle? We here at Water Heater Express care about your safety and have the skills and know-how to maintain, fix, and install your water heater.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Heaters
Q: How can I identify if my water heater is leaking?
A: If you hear running water or drip, drip, drip noises coming from your home’s plumbing system, that may be a sign of trouble with your water heater. The most common signs of leaks in gas water heaters are hissing and gurgling sounds, often followed by an unpleasant odor. In electric water heaters, a leak will cause small puddles on floors nearby and discoloration on walls. In either case, it’s recommended that homeowners call in professional plumbers for leak detection as soon as possible; while it may seem minor at first, even the smallest amount of water is potentially dangerous inside a home.
Q: What should I do if my water heater begins to leak?
A: Call a local plumbing company immediately after discovering any water leaks around your water heater. Depending on how much water has been leaked, there may be some damage already done to the surrounding area (such as eroded floorboards). Water heaters should never run dry – doing so could result in serious damage.
Q: When is my water heater ready for repair or replacement?
A: As with many other household appliances, water heaters wear out over time. Smaller water heaters typically last about 10 years before needing to be replaced, but homeowners living in colder climates might find they need their water heater replaced sooner due to more frequent use during winter months.
The Best Time To Get A New Water Heater Installed
As part of regular water heater maintenance, check your water heater every few months for any signs of leaks. These include rust stains around gas burners, soot on or near electric elements, leaking shut-off valves, and hot-water faucets that are hotter than usual.
If you notice any of these signs, turn off your water supply and call Water Heater Express right away (765-447-1965)…your water heater may need repair or be nearing its end of life.