Sunday, 25 August 2013

Repairing Water Heater Leaks

By Brian Winters


It can be irritating to find out that your water heater has been leaking for a long time. That is why you have to inspect your tank regularly to detect early signs of damage. It is important to wipe water puddles around your unit as soon as you notice it. Finding the cause of the leak immediately protects other areas of your tank from corroding. A water heater replacement isn't always necessary once your unit starts leaking. Oftentimes, leaks can be stopped by carrying simple water heater repairs.

It is a common problem for every homeowner to deal with a leaking water heater once in a while. Water heater leaks can start in three major areas: pipe fittings, relief valve and the internal tank. Repairing leaks coming from two areas is possible while the other one requires a replacement unit to solve the issue.

Let's start with the pipe fittings located at the top of the tank. If you think water is dripping coming from these pipes, simply use a wrench to tighten up the fittings. However, you may have to replace badly damaged pipes to avoid water from contaminating. Be careful not to over tighten the pipes to prevent further damage.

If the problem persists, don't panic since you can still solve the issue. Turn off the heating source and water supply of the unit and start releasing pressure buildup inside the storage tank. Disconnect the pipe fittings and use a Teflon tape to wrap around the threading. This tape is sold at any home-improvement outlet. Make sure the threading is covered completely before connecting the fittings. Turn on the unit after the pipes are tightened enough.

Check the relief valve for signs of leak. This safety feature releases excessive pressure inside the tank that protects your unit from overheating or exploding. Water would normally come out of the valve spout once the T&P valve releases pressure. However, you must be careful not to set the temperature too high to minimize the valve from opening frequently. You can adjust the thermostat settings between 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit for proper water temperature.

If the water is still leaking, it is possible that your relief valve is not working properly. At this point, replace the valve as soon as possible to avoid accidents. Having a faulty T&P valve installed in your unit can pose serious dangers to you and your family. For proper relief valve installation, ask help from a specialist right away.

If you think your pipes and valves are not leaking, check the base of your tank immediately. The internal components may have rusted, causing holes to appear at the bottom of the tank. To stop water from leaking, you are left with no choice but to buy a replacement water heater. Without regular water heater maintenance, your water heater can deteriorate sooner than you expected. Some prefer patching the holes instead of replacing their unit. However, doing this won't do you any good since your unit will eventually have lesser heating efficiency as it continues to operate. Start looking for the best water heater that will suit your household needs.

You can always call a specialist for professional help if you think you cannot manage to repair the heater on your own. It's better to leave the water heater in the hands of an expert to avoid complicating the problem. Most water heater issues can be fixed by carrying out simple repairs. However, if not handled properly, the problem may have escalated, requiring you to buy a replacement unit.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment