Water heaters ensure you can wash dishes, clothing, and yourself with the necessary heat. If there’s a leak, however, you’ll need immediate water heater repair to restore the appliance to working order before further damage results. Here are four common causes of leaks to watch for in your home.

4 Issues That Need Water Heater Repair

1. Temperature & Pressure Relief Valves

Water heaters with tanks feature temperature and pressure relief valves that mitigate pressure if the tank grows too hot. With this safety measure in place, water that leaks out because of pressure should flow down the discharge tube to a drain in the floor.

If you notice pooling water at the bottom of the tube, contact a water heater repair team. They’ll reduce the tank pressure or replace the valve to fix the problem and prevent future leaks. 

2. Tank Corrosion

Over time, a water heater often incurs sediment buildup at the bottom of the container. Eventually, the mineral buildup can cause corrosion that eats through the tank and creates a leak. Most of these appliances last between eight and 12 years, so ask about replacing yours if it’s reached the end of its lifetime to avoid corrosion issues.

3. Inlet or Outlet Connections

Water heaters feature inlet and outlet connections to receive and send water throughout the home. Either of these pipes can leak if they’re not adequately tightened.

Over time, they may loosen due to wear, so it’s critical to have a water heater repair team inspect the appliance annually to ensure the connections are sealed. 

4. Drain Valve

When a plumber needs to perform water heater maintenance, they may empty the tank through a drain valve at the bottom of the unit. When not fully closed, the valve may leak, creating a puddle underneath the appliance. If this isn’t the case, the valve may be faulty and require replacement to mitigate the leak.

Homeowners who need water heater repair turn to Murphy’s Plumbing Company in Alamance County, NC. The company has been in the industry for over 30 years, addressing everything from gas line replacement to broken toilets and sink installations. Call the Mebane-area company at (919) 563-5165 to set up an appointment or visit the website for information on their plumbing repairs and water treatment services.