A leaky hot water heater can go from a small annoyance to a major problem fast. If you want to avoid an emergency plumbing situation, it’s wise to act as soon as you notice the leak. To better prepare you for arranging repairs, here are the three most common reasons water escapes from this appliance.

Why Your Water Heater Is Leaking

1. Corrosion

If your water heater is leaking from the tank, it’s most likely caused by corrosion. This typically constitutes an emergency plumbing situation, and if the corrosion has spread, it may require a replacement unit. Since the metal may deteriorate quickly and worsen the leak, it’s best to have this problem addressed as soon as possible.

2. A Loose Drain Valve

If you notice a very slow leak, a loose drain valve may be the culprit. Fortunately, this particular problem is an easy fix—simply tighten it with a wrench to prevent further leaking.

If the valve needs to be replaced, however, a professional is your safest bet. Since the valve is located on the bottom of the tank, the water must be emptied so that no flooding results when the replacement is made.

3. Too Much Pressure

There are two ways in which excess pressure may cause your hot water heater to leak. The first is that the water is simply too hot. In this case, lowering the temperature may solve the problem. It’s also possible that there’s too much pressure coming from outside into the tank.

While hot water heaters do have valves to protect against too much pressure in the tank, they can become faulty. If you find water pooled at the bottom of the heater, it could likely be a temperature/pressure-relief valve problem. This can be dangerous, so have a professional take a look for you.

If you’re in need of emergency plumbing services for your water heater, count on the professionals at Nationwide Plumbing Services. Serving the Key Largo, FL, area for over 20 years, the team offers exceptional customer support. They also have a 24-hour line for plumbing emergencies. Visit their website for more information or call (305) 853-1848 to schedule an appointment today.