A small water heater leak can turn into an expensive problem quickly. Aside from the damage water can do to your floors and walls, a leak is a sign that your water heater is breaking down. Before you need to call a professional for emergency water heater repair, look for these signs of leaks.

Water Heater Leaking From the Top

Diagnosing water heater leaks is easiest by determining if it’s leaking from the top or the bottom. If it’s leaking from the top, you might notice your water inlet or outlet pipes, seals, or valves leaking. Your cold water inlet pipe may be loose and dripping, and tightening the nut that connects the handle can fix the problem. The same goes for water inlet and outlet fittings. If you spot a leak coming from a connection point, try tightening the pipe to see if the leak stops. If it continues, you may need a water heater repair service to replace faulty or old parts.

Water Heater Leaking From the Bottom

Compared to a water heater that’s leaking from the top, a water heater that’s leaking from the bottom is often a more severe problem. Most water heaters last between 10 to 13 years. If your appliance is old and you find a pool of water underneath it, you likely need a replacement. Sediment that builds up at the bottom of the tank can cause it to rust and leak, and water heater repair is usually not an option.

If your unit is relatively new, it may leak from the bottom for different reasons. One cause is a faulty drain valve. You should drain the water tank regularly to flush out sediment. Leaks can also occur if the drain valve did not close properly during the last draining.

Your temperature and pressure relief valve, or T&P valve, could also cause issues. Or, the temperature and pressure inside the tank may be too high. In either case, a water heater repair service can diagnose and fix the problem safely.

B&B Plumbing & Heating has been providing the Oxford, OH, area with water heater repair services and more since 1985. Whether you need emergency heating, plumbing, or refrigeration services, they can help. Call (513) 523-4010 to schedule an appointment. For a full list of services, visit them online.