A leak coming from your water heater is never a good sign, but don’t panic just yet. It might be an easy fix. That’s why it’s important to determine the cause of the leak before anything else. Causes of a water heater leak include:
- Loose drain valve
- Age
- Poor maintenance
- Bad plumbing from age or installation
- Excessive tank pressure
When should I call a professional?
If you notice your water heater leaking, first make sure that the leak isn’t just condensation from the heater. Tighten any valves or fittings on the water heater, especially if they seem loose. A loose drain valve is a common cause of leaks and easy to fix — just tighten it.
If the water heater is leaking from the bottom, it is likely that sediment buildup over time has caused it to rust through. For your safety, bigger issues like this should be addressed by a professional. If you experience these problems or can’t determine the cause of the leak, call the experts at Gotelli Plumbing.
You might find that the cause of the leak is a bad pressure relief valve, whether it’s faulty or broken from use. We recommend that you call a professional plumber to replace valves, but you can do it yourself if you’re confident that you have the skills required to do so. Here’s how you can replace a pressure relief valve:
Step 1: Turn the water heater and water supply off, and partially drain the tank.
Step 2: Release any remaining pressure by lifting the valve’s lever.
Step 3: Use a wrench to unscrew the valve and put the new valve in.
Step 4: Apply Teflon tape to the threads on the valve before screwing it back on to guard against future leaks.
Step 5: It is now safe to fill and turn on your water heater.
Solutions
Unfortunately, a leak from a water heater itself, means that water heater repair isn’t an option – the unit needs to be replaced. Although it is possible to do it yourself with the right tools and knowledge, water heater replacement should be taken care of by licensed professionals.
Gotelli Plumbing’s experienced technicians can take care of both water heater repair and replacement with ease. If you have a water heater leak that needs professional attention, contact Gotelli Plumbing.
