Monday, August 26, 2013

Water Heater Leaking: Steps For Easy Diagnosis

By Brian Winters


Water heater leaks can get tricky to deal with, especially without professional help. Consider different factors as to why your water heater is leaking in the first place. Check other areas of the tank to recognize early signs of leaks.

Before carrying out repairs, it is important to take safety into account. Shut down the electric or gas supply of the heater and close the water supply before proceeding. Protect yourself from the dangers of your water heater by working in a safe environment. Remind everyone not to use the water heater while carrying out repairs.

If you notice water spraying from your plumbing connections, it is safe to assume that the fittings are not tightened properly. Simply use a wrench to tighten the connections or replaced those that are badly damaged. You can use a sealant or wrap a Teflon tape around the threading when necessary. Inspecting the pipes from time to time is important to keep other areas from having rust stains.

You may have to replace your water heater if the leaks are coming from the internal tank. This happens when the sediments were left inside the tank for a long time. However, do not forget to empty the tank prior to replacing it. Be careful in draining the unit since hot water can give you scalding burns in no time.

Replace your heating element gasket as soon as it leaks. Drain the tank to ensure proper installation. Protect the new heating element from damage by switching the unit on while opening a hot water tap inside the house.

If you see water dripping from the relief valve, replace it immediately. This valve should be in good condition at all times since it is responsible for releasing excessive pressure inside, protecting your unit from overheating or exploding. To minimize the valve from opening, adjust the thermostat settings between 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sometimes, water heater leaks can be fixed with a tweak or two. Inspect the drain valve for signs of leaks and tighten the valve to stop water from leaking. Replace it as soon as it stops working properly. Failure to do so will allow water to leak for a long time, eventually leading to a more costly repair in the future.

If you live within an area of a colder climate, it is normal for your water heater to leak due to condensation. This happens when cold water gets mixed with hot water inside. Do not panic since water would eventually stop leaking as soon as it starts to operate.

You can always contact a specialist if you need an extra hand in repairing your water heater. Take action as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs in the future.




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