A water heater is a durable appliance and it’s not unusual to get 15 good years of use out of one. If you notice water around the base of your hot water heater, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your appliance is worn out. Below you’ll learn the reasons for a hot water heater leak and if the problem can be fixed.
Leaky Pipes
First, inspect the water pipes around your hot water heater and look for any signs of leakage. If you spot a drip, you have a leak in your water pipes and not your hot water heater.
Faulty Valves
Inspect the valves and fittings on the top of your hot water heater for any drips from the joints. Examine the pressure relief valve on the top of the appliance to see if the water is dripping from there. If so, you have a faulty pressure relief valve and you should call a professional to replace it.
Broken Gasket
Sometimes the gasket around the heating element can break and this can cause a leak. Before you do anything else, turn off the electricity to the hot water heater by flipping the switch on the circuit breaker. To determine if a faulty gasket is the problem, you’ll have to remove the cover plate on your hot water heater. After removing the screws and the plate, gently pull back the insulation and look at the gaskets to see if they’re leaking. If you see water running, the gasket is faulty and you’ll have to replace it with a new one.
Corroded Tank
Corrosion inside of your hot water heater can eat away at the metal and cause holes to form in the tank. If this is the cause of the leak, your appliance is worn out and you won’t be able to repair it. Your only option is to contact a qualified plumber that specializes in Water Heater Replacement in Castlerock to install a new hot water heater.
Visit the website of Joe’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. for more information on their services and for money saving coupons. If a plumbing emergency arises, don’t hesitate to give them a call at any time day or night.
