A leaky water heater could result in many problems, including wasting water and racking up the utility bills. It may start leaking as a result of old age, bad plumbing, poor maintenance or high pressure in the tank. While water heaters are designed to last between 10 to 13 years before you'll need replacement, you'll eventually need repair services.
The benefit of having the contact information for a 24-hour plumber in Salt Lake City is that they can attend to you as soon as you notice the problem. With water leakages, speed is as important as expertise. The first business of the plumber will be to identify the source of the leak. The following are the likely causes of a leaking water heater.
Gaskets and Valves
Typically, pipes feed water out of and into the heater. They have gaskets and seals that are designed to keep water inside the tubes. After periods of use, the valves and rubber gaskets begin to wear out. Consequently, water starts to leak. You'll most likely notice water puddles under the heater as the first sign of this kind of leak.
Since all water heaters will drain out through a pipe at the bottom, this is the valve that's almost always most affected. As a precautionary measure, always ensure that the valve is fully closed after using the heater. If it is and you notice the leak, then you have a reason to call in the professionals. Expect that the tank will be emptied to perform a repair. Sometimes, the leak may be so bad that a replacement becomes necessary.
Water Tank
After a while, you may notice a leak out of the tank. This can be due to two reasons. First, the leak could result from a buildup in pressure. This happens when the water comes into the tank at very high pressure so that the valve responsible for relieving stress fails. A plumber will work to replace the valve.
The second explanation for a tank leak is sediment that has built up on the tank. Typically, chemicals and salts in the water can settle at the bottom. If it's not regularly cleaned, they begin to cause corrosion or rusting inside the heater. In the end, a pinhole leak forms. Once the pinhole opens up, pressure from the tank starts to press on the opening, causing the leak to grow in size over time. A lot of times, a pinhole will necessitate a replacement of the whole system. Note that a pinhole leak can flood your home if it's not catered to immediately.
Dip Tube
This tube stretches from the bottom to the top of the heater. It delivers cold water to the bottom of the tank for heating. If this tube becomes loose, you'll not be receiving the supply of hot water that you need. The only way the plumber can know to look for this leak is to let them know when your water is not heating as should.
Sometimes, condensation can trick you into thinking your heater is leaking. When cold water gets into the tank, moisture outside the tank could condense. Condensation is not a significant problem, but if you're unsure, always check with your plumber.