Have you noticed water running down your water heater from the top of the unit? Is there a puddle of water around the bottom of the water heater? If so, you may have a water heater leak.
Do not ignore the leak! A small leak can quickly turn into a costly water heater repair. In the worst case, you may need a water heater replacement. Our Columbia, IL plumbing company can send a technician to your home to diagnose the water heater problem and provide options for repairing or replacing the water heater in your home.
Causes of a Leaking Water Heater
Water heaters can leak for several reasons. One of the common reasons for a leaky water heater is the age of the unit. Most water heaters are designed to operate efficiently for eight to ten years. This estimated lifespan does not mean that newer units cannot experience problems. However, if your water heater is ten years or older, it may simply be time for a water heater replacement.
Leaking from the Top of the Tank
If you notice water come from the top of your water tank, the inlet valve or pressure relief valve could have a leak. You could also have a loose pipe fitting or a corroded anode rod. In some cases, the tank itself could have a hole.
For large leaks, turn the unit off and immediately call our office to request a water heater repair technician. If the leak is small, you might want to check to see if you have a loose pipe fitting that you can tighten, but do not over-tighten the fitting. Otherwise, you can call our office for assistance and advice.
Leaking from the Bottom of the Tank
In most cases, if you see water around the bottom of the tank, you have a leak in the tank or a leaky drain valve. You should be able to tell if the water is coming from the drain valve by inspecting the valve closely. If you do not see a leak around the valve, you can check the bottom of the tank to see if you notice water coming from the tank.
Be very cautious — If you see rust or small leaks around the tank, the tank can be rusting from the inside out, which means the tank could burst. Turn off the water heater and call a plumber immediately. You will likely need a professional to perform a water heater replacement.
Solving Water Heater Leaks in Columbia, IL
The plumbers and water heater technicians at Morrison Plumbing, Heating & Cooling perform routine water heater maintenance and water heater repairs to help units last longer and perform efficiently. Our plumbers are also skilled and experienced water heater installation technicians. Call us for any of your plumbing or water heater needs.
