Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

Are you noticing a mysterious drip coming from your water heater? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. Water heaters are prone to leaks, and understanding why they occur is the first step in finding a solution. In this blog post, Brownie's Septic and Plumbing, LLC discusses the causes of water heater leaks and how to prevent them from happening in the future.

What Causes a Water Heater to Leak?

Corrosion

Most often, water heater leaking is caused by corrosion. Corrosion occurs when metal pipes inside your water heater rust due to contact with oxygen or minerals in the water. Over time, this can create small holes in the pipes that lead to leakage. Corrosion is most likely if your home has hard water, meaning it has high levels of minerals like calcium or magnesium.

Pressure Build-up

Another common cause of water heater leakage is pressure buildup inside the tank due to age or faulty valves. If the pressure builds up too much, it can cause the tank to burst and leak hot or cold water all over your floor.

Old Age

Pushing your water heater past its capacity can lead to leaking as well. If you’re using an old model that isn’t designed for the current hot water usage demands, it may be time for an upgrade!

How to Prevent Water Heater Leaks

We cannot stress enough how vital regular maintenance is regarding water heaters. Regularly flushing out your unit helps remove any sediment buildup contributing to corrosion or weakening of your tank walls.

If you don’t keep up with maintenance, minor issues can quickly turn into major ones that lead to costly repair bills or even the replacement of your entire unit. Ensure you understand how often your specific model needs maintenance, and contact a professional if you need help.

Is a Leaky Water Heater Beyond Repair?

If your water heater has been leaking for some time, it may be beyond repair, especially if the issue was caused by corrosion or other long-term damage. In this case, replacement may be necessary to protect against further damage or potential health risks associated with contaminated water from a broken unit.

However, if caught early enough, simple repairs such as tightening loose connections or replacing corroded parts might restore your unit to working order without having to replace it altogether!

If you have noticed that your water heater has sprung a leak, our team of experts at Brownie's Septic and Plumbing, LLC is here to help! Contact us immediately, so we accurately assess your situation as soon as possible. (407) 890-0116