Water heaters are known to have long lifespans but eventually, you may experience a leak. It’s important for homeowners to have any leaks fixed as soon as possible, as even a small amount of water can cause a considerable amount of damage. Hutchinson, a leader in heating repairs in Burlington County, NJ, wants to help you troubleshoot your situation as quickly as possible so you can prevent an emergency from becoming a costly disaster.
Common Reasons Why Water Heaters Leak
- Loose Drain Valves. A common cause of water heater leakage is a loose drain valve.
- Too Much Pressure. Occasionally, a water heater tank will build up too much pressure if the water temperature is set too high, or the exterior water supply is coming in at too high of a pressure for the tank. This pressure can cause leaks in your tank.
- Cracked Water Tank. Over time, natural minerals in the water will calcify and create deposits on the inside of your tank. These deposits can crack the lining and cause your water heater to leak. Additionally, as water is heated, it begins to expand and creates stress on the lining of the heater and can create cracks.
Although these are a few of the most common reasons why a water heater will leak, these reasons may not always be the culprit. Lose fixtures, improper draining, and age, are all reasons that your water heater may be leaking. It’s still a good idea to do some troubleshooting on your own, but having a professional come in will always be the safest and best way to avoid potential long-term and expensive damage to your home.
What to Do if You Have a Leak:
If you’ve determined that it is your water heater that is leaking, what are your next steps? We’ve got you covered!
Step 1: Turn Off the Power Supply. This will vary depending on if you have an electric water heater or a gas water heater.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply. If you have a gate-style valve (a wheel that turns), turn the valve clockwise as far as you can. If your valve is a ball-style, turn the handle 180 degrees. If you’re struggling to turn off the water supply because the valve is broken, you can shut off your home’s main water valve.
Step 3: Determine the Source of the Leak. Once your water and power supply has been turned off, this gives you an opportunity to assess your tank better and determine where exactly the leak may be coming from. Most common places of leaks are the cold and hot water inlet and outlet connections, the temperature and pressure relief valve, the heater drain valve, and the bottom of the water tank. If you’re having trouble, call in a professional. A good plumbing company will offer same day, 24/7 services.
Step 4: Repair or Consider a Replacement. It’s recommended that you contact a professional plumber to help troubleshoot your leak and help determine what your best options are.
Upon discovering and identifying the source of your water heater’s leak, it is highly recommended that you contact Camden, Burlington, and Atlantic County’s heating repair experts at Hutchinson to repair or replace your water heater to prevent home damage or possible injury. Call us today at 866-953-8728 or click here to schedule an appointment.