Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

Our homes rely on water heaters for a variety of tasks, such as washing hands, bathing, laundry, and washing dishes. Many homeowners underestimate the importance of a water heater until they experience discomfort from a breakdown. Like many appliances, water heaters can malfunction and need repair every now and then. A common water heater issue is the system leaking and causing discomfort and damage. In this blog, we discuss causes of a leaking water heater in Mission, B.C. and surrounding areas.

How Do Water Heaters Work?

To understand what causes water heaters to leak, it is important to understand how the unit operates. Most water heaters run on either gas or electricity to generate heat. Water heaters typically use a storage tank, located in a closet, garage, or another tucked away area. The process begins by water entering the tank from the main water supply. The heating element is located at the bottom of the water heater tank and begins heating the water. As water becomes heated, it rises to the top of the tank and is easily accessible. When needed, hot water is ready at the top of the tank and distributed into your home when turned on.

What Should I Do If My Water Heater Is Leaking?

Due to water heaters being located inside your home, it is important to catch water leaks before too much damage is caused. Water damage can ruin floors, walls, and other personal items. We recommend regularly checking on the status of your water heater to ensure it is not leaking in your home. If you notice your system is leaking, the first thing you should do is turn off the main water supply to avoid more water from leaking. From there, give one of our trained technicians a call. While we are on the way, we recommend cleaning up as much water as you can to avoid further water damage. We can quickly identify the cause of the water leak and help determine the best solution for your home!

What Causes Water Heaters To Leak?

In the inconvenient event your water heater begins leaking, we have you covered at Rep-Air! Our technicians can help you find a cost effective and long lasting solution for your home with our water heater repair and replacement services in New Westminster, B.C. and surrounding areas. Below are five common causes of water heater leaks.

• Cracked Storage Tank
• High Pressure
• Bad Drain Valve
• Faulty Temperature & Pressure Valve
• Old Tank

Cracked Storage Tank

While water heaters are designed to effectively hold hot water, the constant stress can cause cracks over time. Heat causes water to expand and can result in small cracks within the tank. If your storage tank is cracked, it will likely need to be replaced to best protect your home from future damage!

High Pressure

Water heaters experience large amounts of pressure due to the process of heating and handling water. Pressure can occur due to hot water producing steam and taking up space in the storage tank. The steam can become trapped and create cracks, which causes water leaks. Additionally when the water temperature is set too high, pressure rises and risks creating more cracks.

Bad Drain Valve

The purpose of a drain valve is for a technician to empty the tank during maintenance or repairs. If the valve loosens or breaks over time, it can cause water to leak. In some cases, homeowners can just replace the drain valve, but others require replacement of the entire water heater system. We value honesty at Rep-Air Heating and Cooling and will always provide truthful information to help you make the right decision for your home!

Faulty Temperature & Pressure Valve

If your water heater is leaking, the temperature and pressure valve, also known as T&P valve, could be the cause. This component works to regulate temperature and pressure within the water heater, and can malfunction just like any other part. If the T&P valve is faulty, pressure and temperature can rise and lead to cracks as we previously mentioned.

Old Tank

Much like any home appliance, the time will come when your water heater will need to be replaced. Well maintained water heaters can last anywhere between 15-20 years. As the system ages, it experiences wear and tear on all components and can leak more frequently. If your home has an older water heater, we recommend paying attention to the following warning signs to avoid a water leak or breakdown:

• Rusty Water or Tank
• Frequent Repairs
• Loud Noises
• Little/No Heat Within Water

How To Prevent Your Water Heater From Leaking

There are a variety of ways to ensure your water heater remains working efficiently and effectively. Water damage caused by water heater leaks can be a stressful situation, and we are here to help keep your peace of mind. Below are five tips to prevent your water heater from developing a leak.

• Perform Regular Maintenance With Rep-Air
• Avoid High Water Temperatures
• Test The T&P Valve
• Be Aware Of Rust
• Regularly Drain & Flush The Tank

We have you covered at Rep-Air during unpredictable situations, such as a water heater leaking. Our trained technicians have seen it all and can quickly restore your home comfort with our water heater repair and replacement services in Mission, B.C. and surrounding areas. Give Rep-Air Heating and Cooling a call if you are experiencing trouble with your water heater!