Water Heater Leaking

Water heaters may develop a leak in several different ways and for a variety of reasons. The homeowner may resolve water heater leaking situations through making inexpensive repairs while other water heater leaking causes require replacing a water heater or hiring a professional to correct a major problem such as leaking or clogged pipes and/or water shut off valves. Many homeowners hire professionals to remove their old water heater and dispose of it while installing and inspecting their general plumbing to and from the water heater. In addition, professionals recommend an annual inspection and cleaning of water heater components in order to obtain the longest use of a water heater.

Even with annual inspections, water heater leaking may occur at any given time. The usual indications include lack of hot water, lack of hot water pressure and water puddles near the location of the water heater. Homeowners may also hear hissing and gurgling noises coming out of their water faucets when turning on the hot water. Water heater leaking may be more subtle with smaller leaks that may indicate a loose connection. However, even if a water leak is very small, it could increase the homeowner’s water and sewer bills by hundreds of dollars over the course of a year if the homeowner does not correct the leak. In addition, the leak may worsen and it may cause the unit to start rusting, thereby shortening the life of the water heater.

A homeowner may be able to visually inspect the water heater and surrounding components and determine why they have a water heater leaking problem. If the leak is around the pipes connecting the water heater, the homeowner may be able to remedy the problem by turning the water supply to the water heater off and draining the water heater. The homeowner may then remove the elbows, nipples and other small sections of pipe and visibly inspect for cracks, clogging, rusting and corrosion. If there is any question at all as to the condition of the plumbing pieces, it is better to error on the side of caution, replacing any pieces that appear defective.

When threading the pieces back together, it is important to clean any used pieces with a wire brush and cloth as excess materials will hinder threaded pipe joints from making a leak-proof seal. Some people use a liquid pipe compound but Teflon tape is just as effective and easier to use with less of a mess. In addition, pipe joints connected with pipe compound are more difficult to loosen once the compound dries and ages.

When using Teflon tape one should wrap the threads with three layers of tape, wrapping the threads in a clockwise position when the threaded end is towards them. Once the individual has reconnected all the pipes in a secure manner, he or she can turn the water to the water heater back on and carefully watch for any leaks. If there are still leaks along the pipes, it may be time to call a professional plumber in order to correct the problem.

Another simple problem that may cause water heater leaking is the pressure relief valve. This is especially common in homes where the water is hard and contains many minerals, especially lime. These mineral deposits build up along the linings of the pressure relief valve and cause them to stick in the open position. Rather than attempting to clean or repair a pressure relief valve, the simplest solution is to replace the valve.

The worse scenario for a water heater leaking condition is when there is a leak in the tank or the threaded inlet of the water heater, either the supply port going into the water heater or the hot water exit port. Repairing the water heater is not an option at this point and, while it is not a complicated process of replacing a water heater, the homeowner may still wish to hire a professional to replace the water heater. The most significant reason for this is that sometimes a homeowner may not follow all the proper installation procedures and may void the warrantee by improper water heater installation.

Another potential problem is that if the water heater heats the water using natural gas, improper ventilation installation may cause carbon monoxide leakage, which may endanger the lives of the home’s occupants. By hiring a professional to install the water heater, a homeowner can assure that the water heater is going to give them years of satisfactory use. One should remember to have their water heater inspected and cleaned by a professional annually.