Water Leaking from the Bottom of the Water Heater: What are the Causes?
January 6, 2020Water heaters give us the water that we need every time we take our bath, wash our dishes, and so on. They regulate the water temperature effectively that we almost rely on them all the time. Just like any equipment and devices, water heaters can also show some signs if a problem is looming. For water heaters, one may find leakage of water from the bottom of these devices, which can pose a few more problems in the long run.
Working out for the water leak is a must so that your water heater won’t get damaged further. Therefore, you should look out for the culprit or main issue that may have caused your water to leak on the bottom area of your water heater. Check out the following causes of water leaking and their corresponding solutions.
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
There are two situations before the temperature and pressure relief valve release pressure to the atmosphere. One, if the water gets too hot. And two, if there is too much pressure inside the tank. This valve has a discharge tube that runs from the valve down to the floor. Any water leaks from the water heater will flow through the tube that is directed on the floor.
When water puddle forms underneath your water heater, you must check the bottom of the discharge tube for moisture. Any signs of water on the discharge tube mean that the valve is already faulty. Perhaps, your water heater tank has too much pressure that even this valve cannot handle singlehandedly. One solution to this problem is to replace the valve right away. Another solution is to have your water heater checked for any internal pressure problem.
Drain Valve
The drain valve of your water heater can drain water from the tank whenever maintenance is in place. Water is also drained from this valve whenever the water heater is replaced. As part of regular maintenance, water from the water heater tank should be often drained to remove any accumulated sediment. Without removing sediment, the inside of your tank can get damages in the long run.
Any water pooling around the bottom of your tank can be pointed to your drain valve being either faulty or leaky. Sometimes, we tend to not completely close the drain valve right after draining the water, which causes water leak from the nozzle. The handle on the drain valve may have also been moved which causes a small water leak. If you want to check if your drain valve is faulty, fully tighten the knob first. Once the nozzle continues to drip, then your drain valve is guaranteed to be faulty. You can replace the drain valve if you want. You can also buy a hose cap on the end of the valve to stop the leak in the meantime.
Leaky drain valve, on the other hand, comes from a valve that cannot completely hold the water. The indication of a leaky drain valve stems to the water seeping from the base of the valve. You need to replace this valve immediately to prevent any future water leak.
Internal Tank
The most prominent cause of water leaks comes from the internal tank itself. If the leaking originated from the tank, then it may be due to the build-up of sediment within the tank. If the water is not drained regularly, the accumulated sediment from the water can cause the tank to crack and rust over time. Once the tank is rusted tremendously, then the leak will eventually find its way down to your floor.
Replacing the tank is the best solution whenever water leaking occurs. But before you decide on replacing the tank, you can first consult a professional plumber so that he or she can determine if your diagnosis is correct. If you want professional help for your water heater, then enquire about our services at Bexley Hot Water Repairs. We can check and assess the needed repairs for your water heater at an affordable cost.
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