A water heater is a device used to boil water and heat the incoming cold water for use in heating your home. There are several potential causes of a leaking or burst brand-new tankless hotwater heater.
Nobody enjoys standing ankle-deep in frigid water or watching water pour from the ceiling, having their rugs, photographs, comic books, or valuables ruined by water. In these situations a leaking water heater can be the culprit.
Read on to pinpoint the reasons your water heater might be leaking…
What Causes a Water Heater to Leak?
There are multiple reasons a water heater can start leaking . It could be due to a faulty pressure relief valve, a loose drain plug, or a crack in the tank. If you notice your water heater is leaking, it’s important to shut off the power and water supply to prevent further damage. Then, you can call a plumber to come and take a look at the problem.
Rust
Steel is used in the majority of water heaters. Steel is mainly iron, and iron, as you would expect, it rusts. Rust inside your water heater tank will eventually erode the metal enough to create a leak. This usually happens around the bottom edges where the pressure is highest.
An anode rod protects your water heater from corrosion, but it may wear out or fail over time. If you discover that your hot tap water has become a disgusting, rusty brown color, you should get your water heater’s anode rod changed by a professional.
Buildup of Sediment
Hard water runs through most water heaters in most households. Small quantities of minerals float about in hard water. These minerals may settle at the bottom of your water heater’s tank over time, forming a layer that prevents the water from reaching the burner.
As a result, boiling the water takes longer, resulting in overheating of the water heater and overall degradation. A leak or even a bursted seam in your water heater might result. Fortunately, you can prevent this issue by having a professional plumber flush the tank at least once a year to discharge any built-up sediment.
Air Pressure In The Tank
Excess air pressure can build inside your water heater’s tank when the temperature is too high or the source pressure of the water coming into your house is too strong. Avoid these problems by making sure to set your water heater no higher than 120-125 degrees F.
In addition, keep a watch on the temperature and pressure relief valves on your water heater. The gauge and valve are located on the top or side of your tank and releases pressure from the heater’s tank as needed.
Too much pressure in hot water heater is a problem that can occur with any type of water heater.
Tankless Water Heater Leaks
Tankless water heaters can also leak. An improperly closed threaded coupling is the first culprit. If that isn’t the problem, then it can be a loose burner assembly cap or debris trapped inside the burner assembly cap causing it to leak water. Tankless water heaters can also rust and wear out just like regular water heaters, so the other reasons here are worth looking into.
Time
Hot water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years. Basic leaks are more likely to occur at the end of their life cycle because to regular wear and tear. These possible leaks may be caused by corrosion, years of sedimental damage, and the inescapable harm of aging.
Do you recall when you purchased your hot water heater? If you answered either “yes, and it was a long time ago,” or “it was so long ago that I don’t recall…”, then it’s time to replace your water heater.
Also, now might be the time to check out our plumbing inspection checklist and run through it at your house.
Frequently Asked Questions
What would cause a hot water heater to burst?
A: If a hot water heater overheats, the metal of the tank may burst. This is due to an increase in pressure and temperature which can cause it to bulge.
What causes a water heater pipe to leak?
A: There are many potential causes for a water heater pipe to leak. One of the most common is overfilling your tank or filling it too quickly which can cause air bubbles in the system. A less likely explanation would be a weak connection near where the hot and cold water pipes meet, that could expand when you turn on your faucet.
Related Tags
- what causes a water heater to leak
- can you still use water if water heater is leaking
- water heater leaking from relief valve
- water heater leaking from bottom
- how to tell if water heater is leaking
