Is your water heater leaking? This is actually a surprisingly common problem. Homeowners usually notice a water heater leak when water begins to pool near the base of the water heater. The source of the leak could be the drainage valve, temperature and pressure relief valve, or even the tank itself.
If your water heater is leaking, the best thing to do is to verify that the heater is the source of the leak, then call your local plumbing repair company.
For water heater leak repair in New Jersey, give us a call at Degrace Plumbing, at 201-997-8565.
How to Tell if Your Water Heater Is Leaking
Most people keep their water heater tucked away in a basement or garage area, so it’s easy to overlook a leak because you don’t inspect your water heater on a regular basis. Why would you? However, here are some of the most common warning signs that you have an issue with your water heater leaking, and will probably need a plumbing repair company to fix it for you:
- Water pooling near the base of the water heater. This is the most common and obvious sign of a water heater leaking. It’s important to determine that your water heater is, in fact, the source of the leak– although other potential causes may still require a professional plumber.
Other pipes and appliances near the heater might also be a source of pooling water. This can include exposed plumbing pipes, furnace or air conditioner drain lines, or a nearby washing machine.
- Water leaking or spraying from the water heater tank or pipes. If the water heater leak is severe enough, you’ll need to turn off your water main and call a professional for emergency water heater repair.
- Reduced water pressure. Serious water heater leaks can impact the hot water pressure throughout your home.
- Lukewarm water. In some cases, a water heater leaking or having other problems can fail to heat up the water sufficiently.
If you’ve noticed these problems, the most likely cause is your water heater leaking. Fortunately, most of the causes can be fixed with water heater repair, rather than replacing it entirely. However, it’s important to call a professional as soon as possible, to avoid potential water damage to the heater and surrounding areas of your home.
Common Causes of Water Heater Leaking
If you’ve noticed your water heater leaking, there are several possible causes of the problem. Usually, a water heater repair professional will be best able to diagnose the problem. Some of the common reasons for a water heater leaking include:
- Leaking temperature and pressure relief valve. The temperature and pressure relief valve will release water if the tank is at too high a pressure, or if the water itself has become too hot. Normally, the T&P valve connects to a drainage line, safely diverting the water away from your home. A faulty valve or drain line, combined with high water pressure, can lead to your water heater leaking.
- Leaking drain valve. The bottom of a water heater tank is equipped with a drain valve. This helps remove build-up sediment from the inside of the tank, preventing corrosion, overheating, and water contamination or discoloration. If the valve is faulty, you’ll probably begin to notice your water heater leaking at the base, creating a pool of water.
- Leaking tank. Along with pipes and valves, your water heater tank itself can also spring a leak.
- This can sometimes mean that the tank has begun to corrode and crack from sediment buildup, or that an internal component has begun leaking. Unfortunately, a leaking tank can be difficult or impossible to fix. In these cases, water heater repair contractors will often recommend water heater replacement instead.
If you notice your water heater leaking, call us today at Degrace Plumbing. With 24-hour emergency leak repairs, same-day service, and more, we’re New Jersey’s leaders for fast, reliable water heater repair. Call now at 201-997-8565.
