My water heater is leaking
If you are a homeowner, or have homeowner friends, chances are you have witnessed, or heard about the misfortune of a leaking water heater. For the lucky ones, this may only be a small inconvenience that is quickly resolved. For unlucky homeowners, it can be a costly event that causes extensive damage if left undetected. This indeed was the fate of one of our neighbors who returned from a nice vacation to find water damage that had extended from the garage where the unit was located, into the home, destroying flooring and belongings.
First, how old is your water heater?
Most conventional water heaters have a life span of 10-15 years. Check the label. If it’s approaching that lifespan, be extra diligent in evaluating the rest of these steps and consider replacement.
Does your unit have a generous catch pan underneath?
This will contain smaller leaks and minimize the impact if there is a longer or larger leak. If there is no pan, is there another method in place to contain leaks?
Next, look for signs of wear, or perhaps small leaks already occurring.
Check the cold water inlet and the hot water outlet connections at the top of the unit. Is there rust on the fitting, or other signs of concern? Are the fittings tight? If you have the necessary skills you may feel comfortable with small repairs. If not, a Cure All Plumbing professional is happy to help.
Check the TPR (temperature-pressure-relief) value.
Every water heater has this relief valve located on the side of the tank with a pipe running down to the floor. This valve is a safety device that is in place in the event that the water becomes too hot, or there is too much pressure within the tank. Place a bucket under the pipe valve on the top or side of the tank and lift the valve’s tab to let some water out, then let go. If water keeps flowing (valve is not working correctly), drain the tank part way, unscrew the old valve with a pipe wrench, and install a new one. Or, call a Cure All Plumbing professional to help.
In addition to proactively watching the health of your unit, show it a little TLC. Drain the unit and rinse out the sediment on an annual basis, and check the anode rod hanging in the tank to make sure it is still intact. This anode rod prevents the inside of the tank from rusting and will help you get the most life out of it. If your evaluation has led you to the conclusion that replacement is the best option, research your options, and work with a professional to help make the right decision for your family. Cure All Plumbing brings professional plumbing services to our clients.