If you notice water on the ground near your water heater, corroded pipes leading to or from your water heater or you see wet insulation, a leak is the likely cause. A leaking water heater does not work as efficiently and uses more energy, so this is a problem that should not be ignored. Water heater leaks can be caused by loose connections, excessive pressure or worn-out parts, and the water may be coming from the tank, a connecting pipe or a valve. Here are some of the reasons why your water heater might be leaking.
A Corroded or Cracked Water Heater Tank
Water heaters don’t last forever. Over time, components wear out, efficiency levels fall and leaks become more commonplace. If your leaking water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be reaching the end of its service life. The rust that forms over the years can create tiny fractures that allow water to escape, and the sediment that builds up as time passes can cause overheating and tank cracks.
Loose Connections
If your water heater is only a few years old and still leaking water, a loose connection could be the cause of the problem. During a water heater inspection, experienced plumbers will check the pipes and connections on top of the tank and the drain valve near the bottom of the tank to look for signs of corrosion and make sure all connections are secure.
Excessive Water Pressure
Water heaters are designed to deal with normal household water supplies. If the water pressure in your home exceeds these engineering parameters, the connections leading to your water heater may not be able to deal with the stress. As a result, the temperature and pressure relief valve that protects the system could fail. To deal with this problem, a plumber could adjust your pressure relief valve or install a PRV if you don’t already have one.
Corroded Anode Rod
The anode rod is a sacrificial part inside your water heater that prevents tank corrosion. If your water heater’s anode rod has not been changed in recent years, it may be so badly corroded that it can no longer do its job. Fortunately, replacing a corroded anode rod is a fairly straightforward job for an experienced plumber.
We Can Fix Water Heater Leaks Fast
If a leaking water heater has caused your utility bills to rise unexpectedly, the skilled and friendly professionals at PHD Plumbing can get to the root of the problem. We have been providing water heater installation, repair and maintenance services in the Yuma, AZ area for more than five years, and our plumbers have decades of industry experience. We can repair your water heater and make it run like new again, so call us to schedule an estimate today.