A leaking water heater is a common household issue that can easily be swept under the rug, especially when it’s minor. Leaving small leaks unattended will more often than not lead to more significant issues down the road. Let’s avoid the headache and delve more in-depth into the big question: ‘Is a leaking water heater dangerous?’
Any Potential Dangers?
Yes! Leaving a leaking water heater unattended can create various hazards to your home. The most common issue that every water heater owner should look out for is flooding.
You do not want to be that person who keeps pushing the day to fix their water heater to the following week, only to have your home turning into a swamp.
Not only will this be a hassle to drain out, but can also damage your flooring and cause wood rotting. And don’t forget about all that mold that will build up.
One last thing to look out for is the slim chance of the water heater exploding. There are many reasons as to why it may explode, but the number one most common factor would be pressure build-up in the tank.
Alright, now that you know the dangers of an oozing water heater, let’s get into the causes.
Causes of a Leaking Water Heater
Not all water heater leaks are created equal. Depending on where the leak is coming from, it can either be a simple fix or a complete replacement.
1. Water Heater Leaking From Top:
If this is your circumstance, you are in luck, as a leakage from the top is almost always easier to fix than a leak from the bottom.
So first, check to see if the pipes above your water heater have shifted out of place. These pipes connect to the plumbing system of your home, so it’s essential to check if the leakage is coming from there.
The most common pipe/valve leaks will come from the TP valves (temperature & pressure relief) and the cold or hot water intel valves.
2. Water Heater Leaking From Bottom:
Although this isn’t the most ideal situation to be in, let’s at least understand the most common reasons it happens.
It all comes down to drain valve issues, sediment buildup inside the water heater tank, & condensation buildup.
3. Other Leaks / Potential Causes
Sometimes it can be as simple as the pipe connections becoming a bit loose. So before you think about investing in a new water heater, tighten up those connections.
If that doesn’t work, then you may need to replace those parts or it can be due to one of the reasons listed above.
Another reason is simply the age of your water heater. After about 13-15 years, the tanks are prone to breaking down. At this point, it would not be recommended to replace its parts, as new problems will arise.
Now that you understand why your water heater is leaking, let’s talk about what you should do after the fact.
What Should I Do About It?
If the reason for the leakage is loose pipe connections, then, by all means, tighten those connections up. But if there is something else going on with your water heater, it is best to leave it to professionals.
You don’t need the headache of being your own plumbing expert. That is why we are here! Take advantage of our free in-person estimates so we can find the solution to your water heater problems.
When having little to no experience, it is not the best idea to try and fix it on your own. As you may worsen the already bad situation and potentially cause more damage to your home with more leaks. Not to mention the extra money to repair those damages.
Before you choose to get a water heater specialist, it is best to completely shut off your water heater. This will ensure no further damage to your home occurs before we arrive.
So with all that being said, if you are located in the San Francisco Bay Area and are in need of a water heater inspection, we got you covered. You can trust us to find the problem and fix or replace your water heater.
