Every home needs a water heater since it gives us the convenience of hot water for everyday use. But over time, leaks are the most worrying problem water heaters might have, just like any other mechanical device. In addition to endangering your property, a leaky water heater can cause serious discomfort and damage if left unattended. In this complete guide, we’ll review the warning signs of water heater leaks, what to do immediately if you find one, and why scheduling a water heater check and repair is important for your peace of mind.
Signs of Water Heater Leaks
Early detection of the symptoms of a water heater leak can help you avoid serious harm and discomfort. Watch for these signs to identify leaks before they become serious problems.
1. Heating Process Makes Strange Sounds
Unusual noises from the heating process are one of the first signs of a possible water heater leak. These sounds could be sizzling or hissing, or they could be popping or slamming. These sounds are frequently related to silt accumulation inside the tank, leading to overheating and leaks.
2. Age of Hot Water Heater
Your water heater’s age can greatly impact its prone to leaks. The materials used in water heaters deteriorate with age, raising the risk of corrosion and structural flaws. Your tankless water heater should be regularly inspected for leaks if it is nearing the end of its normal lifespan, typically 10 to 15 years.
3. Leaking or Faulty Pressure Valve
Your water heater’s pressure relief valve, which relieves excess pressure to avert catastrophic failures, is an essential safety feature. However, a leaking water heater around the tank area may result from this valve malfunctioning or beginning to leak. Regular examination is required to ensure the pressure relief valve is operating properly.
4. Corrosion
Water heater leaks are frequently caused by corrosion, especially in older models or locations with hard water. The integrity of the tank may eventually be weakened by the corrosive effect of the water’s minerals, which could result in pinhole leaks or even ruptures. Finding any rust or corrosion on your water heater visually is essential to spotting possible leaks before they become serious.
5. Low Water Pressure
A leak in your water heater system may cause an abrupt drop in your house’s water pressure. When a leak happens, less water will flow to your faucets and fixtures because water may seep out of the tank through fractures or holes. You must look into the source as soon as you notice a noticeable decline in water pressure.
6. Sudden Increase in Utility Bills
Your water heater may be hiding a leak if your water utility costs suddenly climb without you using more water. Over time, even little leaks might result in significant water waste, increasing your monthly costs. By watching for any odd swings in your power bills, you can detect leaks early on and stop further damage.
Immediate Actions to Take
Responding quickly to a water heater leak is imperative to minimize damage and guarantee safety. Quickly take these actions to lessen the leak’s impact on your house and belongings.
1. Turn Off Power/Gas
If you find a leak in your tankless water heater, you should cut off the gas or electricity supply. This is an important step in case water seeps into the heating elements or connections and causes gas leaks or other potential electrical risks.
2. Turn Off the Water Supply
To stop the water from flowing into the tank, find the shut-off valve attached to your water heater and turn it off. While you evaluate the issue and wait for expert assistance, this action helps reduce the level of water damage and stops more leakage.
3. Assess the Leak
To track down the source and degree of the leak, cautiously inspect the region encompassing your water heater. Search for any conspicuous proof of water spilling or pooling and any harm to the encompassing lines or tank. A note of these particulars can help the maintenance expert rapidly distinguish and determine the issue.
4. Call a Professional
Attempting to fix a water heater leak alone can be dangerous and worsen the issue whenever fouled up. Contact an ensured water heater professional or handyman to assess the issue and play out any expected substitutions or fixes. The work will be done safely and effectively by professionals, restoring your water heater to its maximum efficiency.
5. Ventilate the Area
Ventilating the space around your water heater is crucial if the leak has left standing water or moisture buildup there to stop the formation of mold and unpleasant smells. Open windows and doors or utilize fans to help dry and encourage air circulation. This is especially important if the leak happened in a basement or small location.
Schedule A Water Heater Inspection And Repair
Act now rather than wait for a water heater leak to become a serious emergency. Make an appointment with A Advanced Services for a thorough water heater inspection and repair to protect your house and guarantee continuous access to hot water. Our skilled team of specialists serves the following areas: Auburn, Edgewood, Enumclaw, Lakewood, Puyallup, Tacoma, Orting, Bonney Lake, Gig Harbour, Federal Way, and Olympia. We specialize in quickly and effectively diagnosing and fixing water heater damage.
We at A Advanced Services recognize the value of a dependable and effective water heating system. You can rely on us to provide outstanding service that is specifically catered to your needs, regardless of the severity of the leak or whether a full water heater repair procedure is required. Ensure your hot water keeps flowing smoothly by scheduling your inspection with A Advanced Services. Refrain from allowing a hefty water heater replacement cost or a leak to ruin your day. Call us today to set up an appointment with our expert.
