Why Your Water Heater Is Leaking

Problems with your water heater shouldn’t be ignored, especially if your water heater is leaking. Call a plumber immediately and schedule an inspection. If your water is leaking, here are some possible reasons.

Your Water Heater Is Old

An aging water may not be your initial thought when you have a leak, but it could be the reason. Old water heaters often suffer from corrosion, and corrosion weakens the interior metal. This can eventually lead to tiny holes forming in your water heater where water can seep out. Another problem with old water heaters is they have worn-out parts. Worn-out parts may often go unnoticed, leading to a leak.

To prevent your water heater from leaking prematurely, schedule annual maintenance. This can help prolong the lifespan of your water heater. Plumbers can also warn you of corrosion or any sediment buildup they see.

Once your water heater has reached the end of its natural life, call a plumbing company to install a new one. You can find tankless water heaters or newer water heaters that are more efficient.

There Are Issues With the Drain Valve

Some water leaks are caused by your drain valve. Like all components, drain valves can experience wear and tear over the years. Factors that contribute to worn-out drain valves are daily exposure to heat and water as well as sediment buildup. Once your drain valve starts to deteriorate, the valve’s threads and seal weaken, preventing a tight seal.

Sediment particles can also affect your drain valve. As some particles settle around the valve, they can prevent the drain valve from sealing tightly. If this happens, you may notice a constant drip or small stream of water coming from your water heater.

There may also be a loose connection. Loose connections result when the drain valve is weakened due to thermal expansions and contractions. Once this happens, it can no longer provide a tight seal.  

Plumbers can fix the above problems by tightening the valve, flushing the tank to remove any sediment buildup, or replacing the valve if it is damaged.

There’s Too Much Pressure

Standard water pressure is typically in the range of 40-60 pounds per square inch. If there is too much stress on your water heater, your water heater may start to leak. This could be due to strain on some of the internal components, such as joints or seals. Over time, this strain can cause joints or seals to weaken or develop cracks. Your pipes can also suffer if there is high water pressure. Prolonged exposure can weaken your pipes, causing them to leak or eventually burst.

When water is heated in the tank, it expands. If your water heater has a pressure relief valve, it should release this excess pressure. However, if the pressure relief valve is unable to keep up with the high water pressure, the water heater may form cracks over time. In addition, constant high water pressure inside your tank can shorten the lifespan of your water heater and wear out its components faster.

If you think you have higher than normal water pressure in your water heater, schedule an appointment with a professional plumber. A plumber can inspect your water heater and provide solutions.

There Are Problems With the Pressure Relief Valve

As mentioned above, a pressure relief valve (PRV) helps water heaters release excess pressure. However, if the valve doesn’t work as intended – not opening fully for instance – your water heater may start leaking.

Your valve may also start to corrode if your water is hard or if it has high levels of minerals. These mineral deposits may prevent the valve from opening and closing properly, causing leaks around it.

Sometimes, your valve may simply be worn out or damaged. Seals can degrade over time, and this deterioration will prevent them from creating a watertight seal.

If you think your pressure relief valve is the problem, check to see if there are signs of damage, mineral deposits, or corrosion. You can also have our plumbers test the valve and replace it if necessary.

The Water Heater Is Cracked

One of the worst things that can happen to your water heater is having it crack. A crack can be a result of wear and tear, age, corrosion, sediment buildup, or even a manufacturing defect.

Corrosion is a common reason water heaters crack. Over time, water heaters are exposed to more and more minerals. This weakens the metal in the tank, eventually resulting in cracks. Although cracks can be small, they can widen over time.

Thermal stress as a result of the daily heating and cooling cycle is another reason water heaters may crack. These temperature fluctuations can cause the metal to contract and expand, weakening the joints and seams.

Inspect your water heater for cracks by examining the area that is leaking. If you do see a crack, turn off your water supply and contact a professional plumber.

When you need help with your water heater, Texas Water Heaters can help. Our professional plumbing company can install, repair, and maintain both tankless and tank water heaters. Texas Water Heaters started in 1972, and we are proud to be the oldest and most experienced tankless water heater dealers. To schedule repair services, contact us today!