Have you noticed a puddle near the base of your water heater? A leaky hot water heater may seem like a petty annoyance at first. However, it has the potential to turn into a major problem. That puddle may be the first sign of a problem that could result in significant flooding if your water heater fails completely.
Common Causes Of Hot Water Heater Leaks
Hot water heater leaks are typically associated with one of four causes:
- Loose inlet and outlet connections
- Defective drain valves
- Defective T/P relief valves
- Corroded water tank
Loose inlet and outlet connections can often be fixed just by tightening the connection with a wrench. Although if the pipeline itself is the culprit, the pipeline may need to be replaced. If the drain valve or temperature/pressure (TP) valve is leaking, it may also need to be replaced.
Corroded water tanks are the most common source of hot water tank leaks. As the water in your tank heats, naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium precipitate out, leaving hard particles that settle on the floor of your water tank. This sediment layer is called scale.
As scale builds up, you may start experiencing issues with your hot water heater. The heater may begin making rumbling noises, and a gush of lukewarm water from your faucet may be followed by a torrent of scalding hot water. Your monthly utility bills may also rise since your hot water heater is working harder. If it’s not flushed out, the sediment at the bottom of your water tank will begin corroding your heating elements and tank lining.
Removing Scale
The best defense against scale buildup is routine hot water tank maintenance. The technicians at Controlled Climate Services in Kennesaw, GA, know how to remove scale by flushing out your hot water tank. We’ll also tighten all your connections, and check and replace your valves as necessary.
Our company is a full-service HVAC contractor. For more than a quarter of a century, residential and commercial customers have been turning to us for efficient, affordable heating and cooling system repairs, installations and maintenance services. Call us today to set up a service call.
