Sunday, 15 September 2013

Leaking Hot Water Heater Repair

By Carol Richardson


It is absolutely inconvenient to have a leaking water heater during chilly seasons. Starting your day by taking cold showers isn't the best way in doing so. Perform regular water heater maintenance every six months to prevent this from happening. It is important to protect the internal tank from corroding by taking action immediately.

If you have an electric unit, make sure the circuit breaker is turned off to avoid unnecessary disasters. Keep in mind that electricity and water are never a good combination that is why water puddles should be mopped as soon as you notice them. For gas-fire units, close the gas supply valve before carrying out repairs.

The internal tank can rust and deteriorate if the hard water minerals are left inside over a period of time. If you have highly corrosive water, drain and flush your unit a few times a year to prevent sediments from building up. To avoid scalding burns, place the other end of the hose to a secure drainage location.

You can minimize the hard water minerals by checking the state of your anode rod. This sacrificial rod serves like a magnet that attracts charged water molecules inside, protecting the tank from completely corroding. Replace it as soon as you see metal wiring around it.

Water can easily leak if the plumbing connections are loosely joined. You can tighten the fittings with a wrench or replace the badly damaged pipes to prevent rust from staining the tank. It helps wrapping a Teflon tape around the threading to make it difficult for water to leak out.

The inlet and outlet connections can also leak once they get rusty. At times like this, expect to see rust stains around the tank instead of water puddles. Replace the galvanized pipes with plastic-lined dielectric nipples to solve the problem. Ask help from a specialist since completing this task requires great strength and soldering skills.

Replace the relief valve as soon as it starts leaking. This relief valve protects your tank from exploding or overheating as it releases excessive pressure inside the tank. You can lift and release the lever to observe the water flow. If the leak continues, it is possible that you may have a serious plumbing problem that needs to be repaired immediately.

Do not worsen the situation by attempting to repair the unit on your own. Always call a specialist to ensure proper installation, maintenance and repair.




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