Sources of Water Heater Leaks

Your water heater caters to several heating needs and applications at home, whether for showering, cooking, cleaning, or washing. As it serves various functions, it can be quite a major headache if you’re confronted with a unit malfunction because it won’t produce sufficient hot water any longer. One issue that can arise is a leak, though it can be quite hard to figure out where it is exactly coming from. Yet, identifying the source of the leak is crucial in fixing your problem.

In this article, we will share the four common sources you should be on the lookout for when trying to deal with a water heater leak and how an HVAC specialist can fix or replace its parts:

1. Water heater nipples

For the uninitiated, these components sit on top of the water heater designed to connect the unit to the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water exit pipe. As they consist of threads with the thinnest parts, they have the tendency to leak. It can be a bit challenging to fix them as you need a pipe wrench and some leverage to remove them. For this reason, it’s best to leave it to the expert technicians at Legacy to ensure they will be secured tightly in place!

2. Drain valves

The drain valve is used to drain the hot water from the tanks, which is a common maintenance task. However, water can easily leak coming from the drain valve located at the bottom of the heater. This can happen if it won’t shut off completely after having drained or flushed your unit. To fix such issues, you need to cap it with a hose cap or replace it with a new one. If you are not sure of how to get it done effectively, be sure to hire the professionals at Legacy instead!

3. Tank

It’s highly likely that your water heater tank is the major culprit for the water leak. This occurs with a corroded part or worn-out component on your tank due to constant use and abuse or without regular upkeep. However, for the most part, you’ll have to deal with major flooding, not just a small dripping. If you have a damaged tank and it is ruptured and leaking, getting a replacement is the most viable solution.

4. Water supply tubes

The water leak can possibly come from the plumbing pipes above the water heater. It’s easy to see some dripping from above the pipes. This water then works its way down the insulation. When confronted with this problem, be sure to inspect the plumbing pipes and pay attention to the water supply lines going into the water heater. You should also schedule a thorough inspection of the water supply tubes. Plus perform repair or replacements when they are no longer working.

Conclusion

At this point, you now know the four likely sources of a water heater leak. Examples as water heater nipples, drain valves, tank, and water supply tubes. For this reason, be sure to inspect these common origins before resorting to a DIY solution. Better yet, consider hiring a Plumbing and HVAC specialist like Legacy Heating and Cooling for a thorough inspection and complete repair. By doing so, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that your unit will work efficiently and effectively the whole year round!

Are you confronted with a water heater leak problem? Let us inspect and fix your water heater! We provide plumbing, heating and air conditioning services in Edmonton and Calgary and the surrounding areas, from repair to replacement up to maintenance. Book an appointment today!