A leaking water heater: It's one of the worst home problems and heater repairs you can face. If you've found a pool of water on the floor around the tank or have noticed that the tank is dripping, don't wait. You need an expert to help right away.
Why is it a problem?
A leaking water heater is a significant problem. Not only do leaks indicate that your water heater might be on the fritz, they poses serious electrical or fire hazards. In addition, it could be costing you big money to run the broken water heater system. Every time a drop of water falls to the floor, you're spending more money to heat water that you don't even get to use.
Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?
A number of problems could be causing the water heater to leak. These include:
- Lack of maintenance. If you've neglected to hire a service professional to give the system a tune-up, you likely need heater repairs. You see, over time, the system will break down due to neglect. During a tune-up, the technician will make sure the parts are working as they should, and that corrosion isn't deteriorating the tank—as these are two common causes of a leaking tank.
- Tank damage. The water that runs through the water heater contains minerals and sediment that, over time, can corrode the tank walls and parts. Experts generally recommend that you flush the tank at least once or twice a year to remove the sediment. Flushing will keep the system in good operating condition.
- Improper installation. If the water heater wasn't installed correctly, your system could malfunction. Loose electrical wires and faulty gas connections are just two ways the system will break down.
- Age. Even with proper maintenance, your water heater has a limited life span. At a certain point (usually around age 10) the system will begin to break down or malfunction. At this point, your best bet is to replace the system. This way you won't have to invest in short-term water heater repairs.
Fixing the problem
If you notice the water heater leaking, heater repairs are usually necessary. Don't fret—call an expert for help. Ragsdale offers advice, repairs, and maintenance for all your cooling, heating, plumbing and electrical needs.
