3 Causes Of A Leaky Water Heater That Your Plumber Can Repair

When you see a puddle of water around your water heater, you might be alarmed. A leaky water heater can be a sign the tank needs to be replaced, but it could also be a sign of a less serious problem. If you also see rust along the bottom of the tank, then repairs probably won't be possible. Here are three things that cause water to leak from your water heater and the repairs a plumber might need to make.

1. Supply Line Connections Are Loose

If connections from the water lines to the top of the tank have worked loose, simply tightening the lines might solve the problem. If you can tighten the lines yourself, you can avoid a call to a plumber. Once you've done this, watch for signs of future leaking to verify you found the source of the problem and fixed it.

2. The Drain Valve Is Bad

If the drain valve on the bottom of the tank deteriorates, water might start leaking out of the valve. Some valves are made of metal, but others are made of plastic and can crack when they get old. Also, if you opened the valve recently and water started leaking after that, the problem might be scale or sediment caught in the valve that keeps it from closing completely.

A bad drain valve can be replaced, but first, the water has to be drained from the tank. You can do that by screwing a hose to the valve and draining the water in a floor drain after you've turned off the power. This stops the leak until a plumber arrives to install a new valve.

3. The Pressure Relief Valve Is Stuck Open

When water leaks from the pressure relief valve, the first thing to decide is if the valve is bad or if it is leaking because the valve is releasing high pressure like it is supposed to. If pressure is building in the tank, you need to find out why and fix the problem quickly, so call a plumber without delay.

If the valve is stuck open because of worn parts or because of sediment or scale, the valve should be repaired or replaced promptly to ensure the valve can protect your heater from high pressure.

A plumber can put in a new valve if it's needed so your water heater is safe and free from leaks. The pressure relief valve is an important safety feature for your water heater, so it if seems to be leaking or malfunctioning, call a plumber right away.

For more information, reach out to a local plumber.

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