What Would Cause A Water Heater To Leak? 9 Surprising Causes!

What would cause a water heater to leak? It could be due to causes such as an old water tank, high pressure, drain valve, malfunctioning pressure relief valve and temperature, sediment collection, tank interior, damaged and cracked storage tank, and anode rod.

Since you already know why the water heater leaks, it’s about time to find a convenient and quick solution. This way, the damage will become irreversible.

What would cause a water heater to leak

The good thing is that a reputable plumber will be there to solve your poorly-working water heater. So, learn more about the common causes of the water leak and the way to prevent them from arising.

 

Causes Of A Water Heater Leaking

Here are the several causes of why your water heater may be leaking.

 

#1. High pressure

The water heater creates pressure while it increases the temperature of the water. However, excess pressure still causes problems that if it does not flee from the unit correctly, water soon begins to leak. It continues to the cracks to find around.

 

#2. Old water tank

Like other household appliances, a water tank tends to wear down as it gets older. It’s also more susceptible to low water retention and leakage. A water tank that leaks create more rust that causes more internal corrosion. The tank corrodes the interior that makes cracks as the water tries to escape. Patch things up with the shots, but it requires some time, as this is also not a temporary fix that you will still need a new replacement.

 

#3. Drain valve

Empty as you clean your water heater tank but use a drain valve. This component can become loose as you use it continuously the entire year. The problem occurs because of a loose drain valve leaking the water heater. The mild water leak also occurs with small openings that were not there before. The trick is to tighten it, but replacing it with a loosened valve is a better option.

 

#4. Connections with the inlet and outlet

Coldwater begins in the tank and continues to the inlet connection during the heating. The hot water continues with the outlet connection until it continues with the pipes. The pressure relief valves and drain links loosen later in life, causing water heater leakage. Tighten the connections if this ever occurs. Or, better yet, contact an expert plumber.

 

#5. Damaged and cracked storage tank

Water heaters often include a third tank in a glass at risk of building up minerals. Later on, the minerals harden, creating cracks in the glass causing water leaks. The right thing to do is fix the problem as you replace the tank entirely.

 

#6. Anode rod

Eliminate corrosive components inside the water tank with an anode rod, a real life-saver. These corrosive components only leave the anode rod corroded until the latter disappears. If no anode rod is present, the substances will leave the tank corroded until you see cracked form and water leakage. Replacement of the simple anode rod is a must to solve the problem.

 

#7. Tank interior

What would cause a water heater to leak is a problem in the tank interior. Remember that a water heater has two shells: internal and external shells. The inner cover has water, while the outer surface has the task to insulate the former. The water that leaks in the outer cover can be quickly found since a thin layer covers it in metal. But then, it’s more challenging to catch an internal surface with two material layers as the cover.

 

#8. Malfunctioning pressure relief valve and temperature

The leaking water heater results from a malfunctioning pressure relief valve and a temperature. If the water tank’s internal pressure gets high, the pressure relief valve stems and escapes the system. It then goes back to its stable temperature. The valve receives loose material that requires tightening. Replacing it with another is a good decision if it gets broken.

 

#9. Sediment collection

It is essential to maintain a water heater regularly. If you ignore this cleaning task, the sediment will build up underneath and cause a crack in the unit. The damage will form inside the tank causing mild and severe water leaks in the water heater. As it begins to leak inside the tank, replacing it is necessary. Clean it several times a year, avoiding this to happen. It’s something you’ll be thankful for later on. You may also want to read about how long does it take a water heater to heat.

 

It’s A Wrap!

Now you learn what would cause a water heater to leak. It’s up to you to notice if it’s due to a sediment collection, tank interior, malfunctioning pressure relief valve and temperature, high pressure, and connections with the inlet and outlet. But always do regular maintenance to avoid the water heater from leaking again. You won’t need to pay much attention if the device is becoming problematic.

And more importantly, seek help from an expert. That way, you will use the water heater with no issues whatsoever. Doing so saves you from headaches and stress. You will also avoid mild even severe water leaks, which is a problem for many homeowners. You may want to read related articles; know how to clean hot water heaters and how to adjust the temperature on hot water heater.

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