Few things are as irritating to deal with as water heater leaks. These leaks lead to temperature issues, insufficient water supply, and other possible problems that can be exacerbated if neglected. With all that said, you’re likely wondering, “What causes these water heater leaks to happen in the first place?” Quite a few things can result in a leaky water heater, but in this blog, you’ll get a closer look at six of them.
6 Potential Causes Of Water Heater Leaks
Knowing the causes of water heater leaks will help you better understand how to fix the leak and avoid dealing with any more of them in the future. Without further ado, here are six potential causes of a leaky water heater:
1. Corroded Tank
The first potential cause of a water heater leak is a corroded tank. Most water heaters are made of materials that can rust if they don’t receive the proper amount of care. You can avoid this problem by draining the tank to prevent sediment buildup that might lead to corrosion. If the corrosion is especially severe, the water heater, or at least the tank, might need to be replaced.
2. Poor Installation
Sometimes water heater leaks are the result of poor installation of different parts. This issue can easily be resolved by checking for any loose parts on the heater. The moment you see any loose parts, use a wrench to tighten them. If that doesn’t help, call an appliance repair technician to take care of it.
3. Worn Out Anode Rod
If your anode rod is worn out, then that could be another possible reason why you are dealing with water heater leaks. The wear and tear on the anode is the result of it being the part that helps prevent corrosion. To further mitigate rust, you’ll need to replace the anode rod, especially if it’s the source of a leaky water heater.
4. Inlet Valve Problems
If you have a gas water heater, inlet valve problems could be a potential cause of water heater leaks. This leak could be a result of the inlet valve being loose or a leak in the pipes. You can tighten the inlet valve or call a technician or plumber to set it right.
5. Gasket Issues
If you have an electric water heater experiencing leaks, it might be the result of gasket issues. If they are worn out or damaged, water will leak, so you want to replace them as soon as possible. Don’t forget to first turn off the water heater and disconnect it from its power source as a preventative safety measure
6. Damaged Drain Valve
Finally, a damaged drain valve is another one of the most common causes of water heater leaks. You can keep your drain valve in working condition by executing the appropriate upkeep routines. You should also be able to replace and repair this part as needed. If it’s not damaged, your drain valve could also be loose, in which case, all you need to do is properly tighten it.
Fix Your Water Heater Leaks With Appliance Repair Houston!
Understanding just six of the many potential causes of water heater leaks will help you know what to do to prevent them from happening in the future. Neglecting a leaky water heater will create new problems or exacerbate existing ones. For this reason, it’s important to stay on top of fixing the water heater as soon as you know it is leaking.
That said, we understand that not all leak issues can be resolved with a DIY approach. Many of these leaks are best addressed by an experienced professional. For the best results, contact us at Appliance Repair Houston today.
