Thursday, 4 July 2013

Water Heater Leaking - Repair Or Replace?

By Lori Wakefield


Water heater leaks may develop over time without performing regular maintenance. When this happens, you might be surprised how much the internal components have corroded, causing water to discolor and smell bad. Some water heater leaks can be fixed easily while serious leaking issues are beyond any repairs. At times like this, consult a specialist to detect the cause of the leaks immediately. Doing this helps prevent problems from escalating.

Do not let a simple water heater repair turn disastrous. Protect yourself from harm and danger by making sure you have a safe environment to work with. Shut down your heating source before inspecting your tank to avoid fatal accidents. You can inform other members of your household not to turn your circuit breaker on during the repair process. Do not let water enter your tank by closing the cold water supply valve. Safety should always be a priority, especially in working with water heaters.

Having loose fittings and piping can cause water to leak easily. You can fix this by tightening the fittings with a wrench. This method only applies if your unit comes with threaded pipe fittings. You can re-solder or replace them if they were soldered-on to your unit. At this point, you may need to call in a specialist since soldering is not an easy task to complete.

Oftentimes, water heater leaks start from the T&P valve. This is typically located on the side part of your water tank. Lift the handle and release it to stop draining water from the overflow pipe. If you notice drips of water coming from the relief valve, replace it as soon as possible. Shut down your water heater and drain your tank empty to be able to replace the valve properly.

To start draining, attach a standard hose to the drain valve right at the base of your water heater. Make sure to place the other end to a floor drain or outside. Release pressure by opening the valve and let the water exit out of the tank. Check the unions attach to the piping of your water heater. You can disconnect the piping in and out of your tank by unscrewing these two unions. A bucket may come in handy to catch the water inside.

Badly damaged pipes should be replaced as soon as possible. Wrap a Teflon tape or use a sealant to prevent water from leaking. Always turn the pipes in a clockwise direction but be careful not to over tighten them since this can damage your tank further. Attach the pipes and connect the unions.

At this point, water leaks should have stopped. You can test it by closing the drain valve and opening any hot-water tap inside your house. Refill your tank until full and look for possible areas of leaks. You can tell if the repair was a success if there are not water drips and puddles around your water heater.

These are just some areas you can check to determine if your water heater needs a repair or replacement. Always remember that tanks are sealed units, therefore, leaks coming from your glass-lined tank can be difficult or almost impossible to repair. An average handyman would usually call in a specialist to know other options of repairing the unit. Some people would try to patch the holes without doing a lot of research. Patching holes can only increase your power consumption since the water is not being heated efficiently. It is wise to replace the unit rather than spending too much on your monthly electric bill. When unsure, consult a specialist for guaranteed professional help.




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