A leak at any point in your plumbing system should prompt a call to a professional plumber. However, issues with the water heater, in particular, can result in high utility bills, lack of water pressure, and potentially extensive water damage. To help you spot the need for water heater repair, the guide below looks at some of the common sources of problems.

5 Potential Reasons for Water Heater Leaks 

1. A Faulty Valve

Your water heater tank should have a temperature and pressure relief valve. This safety mechanism opens if the temperature rises above 210 degrees Fahrenheit, relieving dangerous pressure buildup. If the valve goes off, it may leak water down the pipe, running vertically next to the tank. However, this should not last for hours; if it does, the valve may be faulty and require replacement.

2. Eroded Rubber Gaskets

You may need water heater repair if the rubber gaskets have eroded, causing a leak. These seals protect the electrical elements on the bottom of the tank and can wear down over time. Call a professional to drain the tank and uninstall the heating components to reach the gaskets and replace them.

3. Corrosion

Minerals like magnesium and calcium often enter the heater tank through the water intake valve. These materials settle at the bottom of the container and become sediment that can wear away at the tank’s inner steel layer, eventually leaking through to the glass or plastic outside.

Homeowners should schedule regular plumbing appointments to maintain this appliance. Regularly draining the tank will remove this sediment and ensure the heater lasts for many years.

4. Loose Connections

Water heaters feature a cold water inlet and hot water outlet. These pipes enter the tank through elbow joints that may grow loose due to changing temperatures or being bumped. Using a wrench to tighten these areas should stop a leak caused by loose connections.

5. Drain Valve Issues

When a plumber services a water heater tank, they may use the drain valve to remove liquid. Homeowners who spot puddling around the base of their system should contact a water heater repair team to assess their drain valve. This feature is often the cause of leaks at the bottom of the tank. 

Homeowners looking for reliable water heater repair should contact Fast Flow Plumbing & Drain in Comal County, TX. Whether you need clog removal, line break repair, or sewer line camera service, their technicians are happy to help. Call the New Braunfels-area team at (830) 312-8822 or visit the website for more on their offerings.