Discovering water leaking from your hot water heater can be alarming. Thoughts about the cost of repairs and potential water-related property damage can cause immediate stress. While you understandably want to repair or replace your broken water heater as soon as possible, identifying the cause of the leak is the first step. Learn about some common causes of water heater leaks so that you can act quickly.
Sediment Buildup in the Tank
In the local area, tap water contains a heavy amount of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and others. These minerals settle at the bottom of your tank in increasingly thick layers. There, they harden and can cause the water heater to overheat. Overheating leads to corrosion that ultimately creates small cracks or leaks. You can reduce the risk of this problem in the future by regularly draining your tanks and investing in a whole home water softener.
Excessively High Water Pressure
If you haven’t been tinkering with your water tank’s pressure valve, you might assume that excessively high water pressure wouldn’t be a concern. However, a damaged pressure reducing valve or pressure switch are common reasons why your tank’s water pressure could be too high. Another reason is a waterlogged bladder. These issues require professional repair service.
Corroded Parts
If your hot water is discolored or has a metallic smell, your water heater’s components could be corroded. In addition to potentially being caused by hard water, corrosion is often the result of failed anode rods or a chemical reaction caused by the tank’s metal material, oxygen, and water. If two different metals are touching inside the tank, the electrical current between the metals can speed up the corrosion process. In many cases, internal corrosion affects the entire tank and results in the need to replace the system.
An Older Water Heater
A tank water heater usually lasts for between eight and 12 years. As the water heater approaches the end of its life, the protective liner inside the tank begins to fail. When this happens, damaging rust forms and causes small cracks. In addition to this potential cause, older components will eventually wear out and can cause leaks. These parts can include the temperature and pressure relief valve, the anode rod, the drain valve, and other parts. Often, it’s most cost-effective to replace an older water heater than to make recommended repairs.
Water heater leaks require a prompt response from a licensed plumber, and this begins with a diagnostic inspection. Call Star Plumbing & Mechanical in Owensboro, KY for all of your water heater service needs today.