Why is My Water Heater Leaking?

Water heaters are dependable but water is corrosive and components inside the unit will eventually start to rust and wear. Unaddressed leaks can cause property damage and will significantly raise your utility costs. In many instances, you can pinpoint the cause of a leak by determining exactly where the water is coming from. 

The most common sources of a water heater leak include:

• The tank: If water is leaking around the base of the unit, the tank itself may be compromised. Look for damp insulation and water on the seams of the metal jacket.

• The drain valve: A drain valve can begin to leak immediately after routine maintenance. Since it isn’t used much, opening the valve to drain sediment-rich water may expose corroded gaskets and seals. If the drain doesn’t close properly, a steady trickle of water may leak from the spout. A plumber can replace the faulty unit to help eliminate future problems.

• The temperature relief valve (TPR): After years of operation, the TPR may fail and begin to leak. If lifting the valve to release a small amount of hot water fails to clear accumulated sediment, the valve will need to be replaced.

• The inlet and outlet: An ongoing chemical reaction takes place that eventually may corrode the steel pipes the make the connections on your water heater tank. A slow, steady leak can be identified by unsightly corrosion and rust growing around the connections. If you see corrosion and moisture around the inlet or outlet pipes, we suggest you have them replaced before a serious leak develops.

Should I Replace My Water Heater Before it Fails?

Of course, eventually, your water heater will need replacement. The lifespan of a water heater is only about 10 years old. Some of these common water heater problems are either irreparable, or a repair will not make financial sense. 

The major sign that your water heater needs replacement is if it’s leaking from the tank. The leaks mentioned above can usually be repaired. But a leak from the tank itself indicates corrosion, which means your water heater will continue to corrode and leak.

The good news is If you get a new water heater, you might notice your bills drop! New water heaters are manufactured to work more efficiently than their decades-old counterparts.

Water heater problems can be costly and destructive if left unaddressed. If you have a leaking water heater, give us a call and we will diagnose your situation and give you options for your water heater repair. If you need replacement, we will review with your home and family needs and recommend the best water heater replacement system for you. And we’ll get it installed promptly!