One of our most common emergency calls is for a water heater leak, something that can cause parts of your home to flood and that may become a safety issue. You need hot water throughout the year, so you want your system to last as long as possible. What could cause your water heater to leak?
Can a leak be repaired?
Oftentimes, a leak can be repaired, as long as it’s not coming from the tank. Here are a few of the instances in which a plumber may be able to provide repairs that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
- The drain valve – This is the spigot towards the bottom of the tank. If this is the source of a leak, a plumber should be able to repair the problem in a fairly short amount of time, assuming a replacement valve is available.
- A leaking pipe – The inlet pipe leading to the water heater from the top might be the source of a leak. A pipe wrench might do the trick, but call a plumber if you’re not sure how to approach the problem.
- The temperature and pressure valve – The T&P valve is on the side of the tank. If this is leaking, a plumber will likely replace it.
Is replacement a better option?
If you have an older water heater that’s been causing you a lot of issues, you might want to replace it to avoid a costly breakdown and major leakage later on. However, a plumber may not recommend replacement until the tank shows signs of leaking or is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Could your tank be at risk? Homes with hard water—an excess of minerals in the water supply—are more likely to have appliances that corrode faster. The mineral content at the bottom of the tank speeds up the process of corrosion that can eventually lead to a water heater leak.
If the bottom of your tank is leaking due to corrosion, there’s no solution aside from replacing the tank. Call a local plumber to do this for you.
Admiral Plumbing Services, LLC provides water heater services in Jupiter, FL and the nearby areas. Call our friendly team for exceptional service.
