A leaking water heater is a problem most people would not want to encounter. Although small leaks may not pose a serious problem, they worsen if not repaired for a long time. You would rather fix a small leak than incur hefty costs repairing walls, floors, or any other damage resulting from the leakages.

Possible Causes of Leaks in Your Hot Water Heater

The presence of water below the water heater does not always mean it is leaking. Wipe the water and place a paper towel under the tank, then check after two days. If it is wet, then your water heater is likely leaking. Although some leaks are easy to fix, there are times when you will need a professional plumber to inspect and repair the heater. Establishing the cause of the water heater leak will help you determine the next course of action. Here are some of the possible reasons why your heater may be leaking and what you need to do to fix the problem.

The Cold and Hot Water Outlet and Inlet Connections

A loose connection in the inlet and outlet pipes can cause leakage. Fixing a loose connection is fairly. You can use a wrench to tighten the joints. However, in some cases, you may need to replace faulty parts.

The Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

It is a protection device that regulates the water temperature and pressure in the water heater. Whenever there is excess pressure, or the temperatures are too high in the water tank, the valve opens to drain the water. This releases the pressure in the tank and also prevents it from bursting. There are two possible scenarios to determine whether the valve is the cause of the leak:

  • Water flowing from the attached pipe when the valve is closed means the valve is defective.
  • Water flowing down the tank through the sides of the valve could mean the valve is broken.

Drain Valve

As the name implies, the drain valve is meant for draining water when conducting repairs or regular maintenance. Water can leak from the drain valve if it's not completely closed. If leaking continues after closing the valve, it may be a sign the valve is faulty and requires replacement.

Internal Tank

Internal leaks may often go unnoticed. Although water at the bottom of the heater could result from a leak in other parts, a cracked inner tank may be the cause. The only remedy for a cracked tank is a replacement.

Get Help from a Professional Plumber in Nashville

Most of the heater problems discussed here are too complex for an untrained individual. A skilled plumber is almost always needed. Trusting professionals to handle the repairs, replacements, and regular checks will save you unnecessary worries. If you need help with this kind of work in Nashville, the experienced plumbers of Benjaming Franklin Plumbing can help. For an appointment, contact us today.