If your water heater starts leaking, it could cause a lot of problems for your home. The water in your shower could become colder. Your energy bills will go up. There could be water damage your home starts accumulating. That’s why it’s important to prevent these leaks from happening, when possible. To prevent such leaks, though, you first need to know why they occur. Today, we’ll explain reasons why a water heater leak could happen.
Rust & Corrosion
As time passes, the minerals in your water will cause your water heater tank to start rusting and corroding. This causes the metal in the tank to weaken. Once the tank is weak enough, it will begin to leak. This is even more likely to happen if the anode rod isn’t replaced because the anode rod limits how much corrosion your tank experiences.
Drain Valve is Faulty or Loose
The drain valve is what’s used to flush your water heater tank. If this valve is either worn out or loose, it can result in a leak. Sometimes, you just need to tighten this valve to fix the problem. If the valve is too damaged, however, you’ll need to get a new one.
Too Much Pressure Build-Up
If there’s too much pressure building up in your tank because of a blocked relief valve or excessive heat, there’s a chance that water could be forced out of your tank through tiny seams and cracks.
Faulty Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
The temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is responsible for releasing excess pressure from your tank so that it doesn’t burst. When this valve isn’t functioning properly, it might leak continuously, even if the pressure levels are normal. Sometimes, this is possible to fix as a DIY project, but if you’re not comfortable tackling it on your own, you can also consult a professional plumber for assistance.
For Water Heater Repairs, Call Master Plumbing
Give Master Plumbing a call at (301) 650-9100, or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you with just about anything plumbing-related! We have received Angie’s List Super Service Award recognition for plumbing and drain cleaning every year since 2007, in addition to the Best Plumber award from Best of Bethesda. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today—you won’t regret it! To see examples of our projects, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!