Friday, 23 August 2013

Repairing A Leaking Water Heater

By Brian Winters


Handling water heater leaks should be easy if you maintain your unit regularly. However, most homeowners continue to ignore this fact up until the unit stops operating at its best. A leaking water heater doesn't necessarily need a replacement. Sometimes, leaks can be fixed by carrying out simple water heater repairs. But if the damage is already beyond repairing, you may need to buy a replacement immediately to avoid inconvenience.

For guaranteed results, you can always ask a specialist for help whenever you see your water heater leaking. There are several causes that water leaks are associated. You may have loose pipe links, bolts and sediments sitting at the bottom of your tank. It is possible that there is something going on to the lines getting in and out of the water heater. Find what's causing your heater to leak to avoid further damage. Inspecting your tank regularly helps you detect signs of leaks in the early stage, while they can still be repaired.

It is normal for a leaking water heater to produce less hot water than it used to. When this happens, you might want to consider buying a replacement if repairing it would cost you a lot. Having a unit with a lesser heating efficiency can cause your electric bill to soar. A water heaters lifespan usually last about 8 to 15 years, depending upon the type and brand you are using. Electric water heaters last longer compared to gas-fired units. If you want a more durable heating system, look for tankless water heaters out in the market.

Prior to inspecting the water heater, shut down the heating source to avoid accidents. If you have an electric-powered unit, turn off the circuit breaker. On the other hand, the gas supply valve should be shut down if you have a gas-fired heater. You can stop the water leaks temporarily by turning off the cold water supply and release pressure by opening any hot water tap inside your house. Be careful not to scald yourself upon repairing water heater leaks. Experts recommend turning off the water heater the night before repairing it to save energy and avoid scalding water at the same time.

Find out where the leak is coming from to know what actions are needed. You may notice your water heater leaking as soon as it starts to heat water. When this happens, you don't have to worry since the unit is only experiencing condensation. This happens when cold water is mixed in warm water inside the tank. Leaks would eventually stop after waiting for a couple of minutes. If you live within an area of a colder climate, you may find your water heater leaking due to condensation more often.

Do not forget to check your cold and hot water lines for any signs of leaks. These lines are usually located near the top of the water heater. Check the ball valve to see if its rotating lever is loose. Simply use a wrench to tighten the nuts. Be careful not to over tighten it to avoid further damage. If the problem persists, contact a specialist as soon as possible.

The same method also applies if you have a loose drain valve. This is usually located at the bottom of the water heater, allowing water to exit the tank when necessary. Tighten the loose valve with a wrench or replace it immediately if badly damaged. Ask help from a specialist for professional drain valve installation.

Check the pressure relief valve for any signs of leaks. This valve is a safety feature that releases excessive pressure inside the tank, protecting it from overheating or blowing up. That is why you have to make sure this valve is working at all times. Once the water inside the tank gets too hot, this valve will open to release water. You can lower the temperature to prevent this valve from opening too often. Check the pressure relief valve from time to time to know if it needs a replacement.

To avoid putting your life at risk, contact a specialist to perform necessary water heater leaking repairs.




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