You’ve found that there’s water collecting around your water heater due to a leak at the base. You may be asking, “How bad is this problem?”. Could I fix it, or must I get another water heater? There are various reasons why one of these might leak from the base, some of which are more significant than others. Either way, the sight of water trickling from the hot water tank can be terrifying.
The nature of the hot leak at the base will give you a clue of how serious the problem is. Still, if your water heater leaks, it can be simple and inexpensive to fix, and therefore, you might not have to deal with an emergency replacement. Read this useful piece to get the difference between the two and the causes of why a water heater might leak from the bottom.
Is It Normal for a Water Heater to Leak?
Certainly not. You should, therefore, fix it immediately. And if you didn’t already know, mildew is a common culprit here on account of condensation. Condensation is more likely to build on water heaters placed in cold, outside locations, such as garages or attics. There is a small worry about sweaty water heaters, but most tank-type models include a shallow drip pan that surrounds them at the base to collect the discharge of condensation.
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Reasons a Water Heater Leaks From the Bottom
Is the bottom of the water heater leaking? Several issues will cause this, and here’s a closer look at each:
1. Internal Tank
In most cases, the hot water tank is the source of the leak. If water slowly drips out of the tank and collects at its base, it’s likely due to an internal issue. Yeah, and a hot water tank leaking from the bottom is a nasty business.
In most situations, the accumulation of silt within the tank is the main culprit. The steel tank will start to corrode and split if you don’t drain the silt regularly. Eventually, a leak is going to develop. It is always necessary to change the water heater in the event of a leak occurring within the tank.
2. Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Valve
Your water heater’s pressure and temperature relief valve has a discharge line that extends from its upper to lower part. If the temperature and pressure within the tank get too high, it can release some water through this mechanism.
You ought to have a drain pan set up beneath your water tank to collect the little liquid that leaks out. Having a professional inspect the temperature pressure relief valve should be your priority in the event that it leaks.
After all, it is a critical component. And you want to put a stop to that water heater leaking from the bottom of the tank, don’t you?
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3. Drain Valve
A drain valve is standard on all water heaters and is usually found towards the base of the unit. When servicing or replacing the water heater, it is necessary to empty the water storage tank using this valve.
Regular draining of the tank is necessary to remove the silt that accumulates inside. Damage to the tank’s interior can result from silt that doesn’t drain. A leaking drain valve could be the cause of water collecting at the tank’s base.
4. Sediment Build-Up
Hard water, extreme heat, and high humidity are reputations that some regions have earned. Water with a high mineral content is known as hard water. As rain and groundwater flow through limestone-rich soil, they become calcium and magnesium. Glass breaks easily in hard water because the mineral components are like little rocks with sharp edges. The pressed glass acts as a protective layer within your water heater tank.
While your shower doors and glassware around the clock aren’t subject to sediment damage, you can observe the effect of hard water on them. So now, imagine what it can do to your water heater tank.
What to Do if Your Water Heater Is Leaking?
Once you’ve identified a leak in your hot water tank, it’s time to take action. You should look into the issue and pursue the following measures:
- Determine Where the Leak Is Coming From: First, do not panic. Instead, try finding the source of the leak. It may be coming from another appliance nearby in your basement, such as your furnace drain line. If you are sure that your water heater leaking is the source, determine exactly which part produces the leakage. Once you narrow it down, photograph the source to help your plumber troubleshoot the problem.
- Turn Off the Water Supply: Disconnect the water supply by turning off the valve or lever that is situated on top of the heater. Without the nightmare scenario of hot water seeping out the bottom of the tank as a fresh supply of water keeps flowing into the top, you can regulate your water bill and prevent water damage at your residence.
- Disconnect the Gas or Power Valve: Do not exacerbate a potentially harmful scenario. Disconnect the electrical or gas line that supplies your heater for protection.
- Get in Touch With a Plumber: Your home is now much less likely to have flooding and water damage thanks to the decision to switch off the water supply and power. The next obvious step should be a call to your plumber.
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What Is the Best Way to Prevent Hot Leaks?
We demand a lot from our water heaters, don’t we? But if you think about it, we rarely appreciate them in return. Consider giving your water heater a spa day once a year with a reliable maintenance service.
Draining and flushing your tank-type water heater once a year is recommended, as is a comprehensive inspection for any possible problems with its many components. A thorough check of the tank is performed, including all of its outside components, gas connections, water supply and outlet pipes, valves, and electrical components such as thermocouples and thermostats.
Licensed and professional plumbers can find leaks and other plumbing problems early on when they inspect water heaters. If the technician discovers a leak during a routine maintenance call, they can fix it before it causes thousands of dollars of damage to your property. That alone justifies the expense of keeping up with water heater maintenance.
Should You Flush Your Water Heater?
It feels like a no-brainer, and it is. Flushing your water heater, coupled with routine maintenance, improves water quality. In truth, there are cases where you need to flush or drain your water heater more often than recommended. What enters your home as water is important, but so is the type of water heater you have.
Your water heater’s flushing and draining processes aren’t particularly complicated. It will take about an hour to finish, and you spend a lot of this time allowing the tank to cool and drain on its own. Of course, a larger tank will take more time.
How Often to Flush Your Water Heater
An annual draining of the water heater is a reasonable rule of thumb, though this does depend on several things. Experts recommend once every six months or shorter if you reside in a region with hard water. If you aspire to have your water heater last longer, not leak, and heat the water equally all over the house, then you should clean it once a year.
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When Should You Replace Your Water Heater?
You may have some sentimental attachment, but you should replace a water heater that has outlived its usefulness. This may seem overwhelming, but getting a new one is worth the while. Here are some leading questions to guide you:
- What color is the hot water?
- Is my hot water rust-colored?
- Is there an increase in my water bills?
- Has my water heater been in use for more than a decade?
- Has my water heater maintenance history had any areas of neglect?
It may be time to replace your water heater if you got a “yes” to any of the questions up there.
Conclusion
Discovering water pooling around your water heater due to a leak can be quite alarming. Is hot water leaking from the bottom of the tank? Call the police!! Just kidding. Understanding the potential causes and taking swift action can save you from a bigger headache. Whether it’s a minor issue like condensation or a more serious concern like internal tank corrosion, knowing where the leak originates is key.
Just like giving your water heater a spa day with annual maintenance can keep it in top shape, being proactive in addressing leaks can prevent costly damage to your home. So, don’t ignore those telltale signs, and remember, your water heater deserves some TLC, too!
