In most homes, the water heater, though it has a somewhat short service life, is surely one of the major appliances you must invest in. Most have a lifespan of ten years, perhaps some can exceed the limit, while others, as a result of hard water, can have a shorter lifespan altogether. When your heater starts to approach the end of its lifespan, it will not only contribute to increased water heating costs, but it will also begin to leak.
WHY DO THEY LEAK?
Water heaters perform under very high temperatures and have an internal pressure that is near to 150 psi. With that said, this combination will more often than not result in leaks well in advance of an actual tank rupture which can certainly flood your living space. When a water heater ruptures and floods your home, you will experience extensive water damage. Should this occur, it is imperative you turn off the tank water valve to avoid additional flooding.
There are two types of leakages you have to be on the lookout for:
- Leaks from the Relief Valve – On the top or the side of your water heater is a temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR) which will automatically open if the heat of the tank or its pressure is in excess of specifications. When a tank has internal wear or there is an accumulation of mineral deposits, the TPR valve can begin to leak water intermittently. This leaking water finds its way to the floor and begins to puddle. If you notice water on the floor be sure to reach out to one of our experienced plumbers who can diagnose the condition of the TPR valve and provide an effective solution by installing a new TPR valve.
- An outright Tank Leak – Water that is leaking directly from the tank is an obvious indicator that excessive internal corrosion is present. When this happens, the tank can actually rupture over time. The leak typically occurs at the lower portion of the tank and forms a pool of water underneath or alongside the tank. In some cases, the leaking water can drip onto the burner and evaporate without ever leaving a puddle at all. If you notice any type of tank leakage, be sure to first turn the water heater off at the main valve and then shut off the cold-water valve that is located atop of the heater. Once you have completed these two simple tasks, be sure to call out to one of our experienced plumbers immediately.
Owning a home is a challenge in and of itself and the number of unsuspecting issues we can be faced with can present with a great deal of stress and concern. Plumbing issues are some of the most complicated problems to deal with, which is where the team here at Steve Mull Plumbing comes in.
THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST
Here at Steve Mull Plumbing we take tremendous pride in providing all our valued clients with the highest quality plumbing parts and services this side of the state. We are steadfast in our commitment to meet the needs of all our valued clients and to be able to provide them with affordable solutions in timelines that are accommodating to their needs.
The professionals here at Steve Mull Plumbing strive to deliver products and services that simply will not be matched by any of our competitors and that certainly includes services we offer for a leaking water heater. Whatever your plumbing problem may be, we are definitely the team for you. Simply give a shout out to one of our team and schedule your service appointment today. We look forward to serving you and to helping you keep your home and family safe season after season, year after year!
