According to the Insurance Information Institute, between 2010 and 2014, homeowners spent over $7,958 to repair water damage. In many cases, the water damage was caused by unresolved leaks that went unattended for a considerable period of time. Surprisingly enough, some of those leaks were associated with water heaters.
Because of this, it is very important that you contact a licensed plumber for a water heater repair Bridgewater NJ as soon as you notice that your water heater is leaking. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common issues associated with leaking water heaters.
What Homeowners Should Know About Water Heater Leaks
Contents
Below, we discuss some water heater issues to keep an eye out for.
Excess Water Heater Pressure
When there is excess pressure inside your water tank, it results in a leak. When the pressure builds up, it causes the tank wall to fail. It can also cause a failure in the water connection points. These problems occur if the pressure relief valve in the water heater is not working as expected.
There are a couple of reasons why pressure can build up in the tank. If you set the water temperature too high, the pressure builds too much. Also, if the water is pumped at high pressure, it will build up in the tank.
Water Inlet And Outlet Connections Of A Water Heater
If the connections of the water inlets or outlets fail, it results in a water heater leak. Since most people keep their water heaters hidden in the basement or in a closet, it is hard to tell if there is a water inlet or outlet that is leaking. Because of this, you need to check for loose connections often.
When you see that anything is loose, tighten the connection with a pipe wrench before it starts to leak. If an entire pipe section needs to be replaced, it is best to contact a licensed plumber. According to professionals in the industry, whenever a pressurized container needs repair or maintenance, only a licensed professional needs to address it. If you were to try to make the plumbing repairs yourself and it is not done properly, it causes serious problems, including an explosion.
Water Heater Drain Valve
The drain valve on your water heater is another common source of leaks. Because the valve is located at the bottom of the water tank, it is tricky to determine whether or not it is the source of the leak. This is why it is best to hire a licensed plumber.
Hot Water Heater Condensation
The condensation that forms on the walls of a water heater can drip water onto the floor. This will lead you to believe that there is a leak. Luckily, this is a problem that you can solve yourself. You just need to wipe down the water heater and the floor. If condensation is forming on your water heater, it doesn’t mean that it is malfunctioning. It just means that there is a substantial difference in temperature between the inside and the outside of the water heater. One common reason that this occurs is when cold water runs through the tank and the temperature around it is high.
The Water Heater Tank Is Old
Over time, water heaters rust and erode. This results in a water leak. The best fix for this problem is to replace the old tank with a new one. It is best to replace the old tank with one that complies with energy efficiency standards and regulations, such as Energy Star products. Replacing an old heater will also help you financially. Old water heaters tend to use much more energy. This results in high energy bills. Also, old tanks require more maintenance and costly repairs. Finally, most states offer tax credits for homeowners who replace their old water heaters with energy-efficient ones. This can also be a huge money saver.
Conclusion
When a water heating system leaks, repair it immediately in order to prevent any further leakage. The most common causes of water tank leaks are:
- pressure buildup
- failure of the inlet/outlet connections
- condensation
Because repairing or installing a new water heater on your own can be dangerous, it is a good idea that you hire a licensed plumber. Be sure to work with experienced and certified plumbers that can get your water heater in order quickly, efficiently, and affordably.
Call Skylands Energy Service For Trusted Plumbing Services
Skylands Energy Service offers highly reliable plumbing services. Our company is a highly trusted plumbing company in Central New Jersey. Some of the services we provide include water heater tune-ups, installation of water-efficient plumbing fixtures, water leak detection and repairs, to name a few. We offer the best possible solutions to all kinds of plumbing issues, ensuring that we give you the best option for your needs and budget.
We guarantee highly affordable and competitive plumbing service rates in the area. Each of our skilled plumbers is equipped with the proper licenses and certifications to ensure correct and prompt services at all times. We back all our work with a guarantee. Call Skylands Energy Service and book a free estimate today.
Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!