Hot water is a convenience of modern life that’s easy to take for granted. You probably don’t think about your water heater often, but it’s an essential part of your home’s plumbing system. Water heaters are large, delicate systems under a lot of pressure. Hot water can cause severe burns, pressure buildup can pose explosion risks, and messing with gas water heaters can expose you to carbon monoxide. That’s why you should always enlist residential water heater repair services when you have problems with your water heater rather than attempting to fix your water heater yourself.
Even though a leaky water heater is a reason for calling a plumber, it doesn’t mean we want to keep you in the dark about why your water heater is leaking from the bottom. Possible reasons your water heater is leaking from the bottom include:
Condensation
It’s no surprise that a system that pumps hot and cold water through your home will occasionally get wet. But when is a wet water heater a problem? Sometimes, condensation can build up on your unit and drip downwards, causing it to look like the water heater is leaking from the bottom. This is especially commonplace with older water heaters. First, try turning down your water’s heat. If it is higher than what is considered safe operating temperature, the unit may be reacting. Next, try this test. Wipe away whatever condensation you see, turn the unit off for several hours, and monitor the condensation level. It may be due to a problem with the tank’s insulation, or a new unit might be adjusting to your home’s plumbing. If the condensation persists when the power is off, you have a water heater leak, and the water on the floor is more than a simple moisture buildup.
Condensation and Water Heater Replacement
If the water pooling under your water heater comes from condensation rather than a problem with your tank, replacing your unit if it constantly trickles water all over your floor can save you some serious cash. Long-term exposure to condensation can cause water damage to your walls, floors, and even your water heater itself. Even though the issue might not seem urgent, you could end up with the same costly and unpleasant results you might have from a leak.
Drain Valve Leak
The drain valve is the part of the water heater that is used to service the unit. Service includes checking the quality and temperature of the water and periodically removing sediment from the water heater tank. The drain valve is located at the bottom of the tank. If your drain valve is dripping, the nozzle may be open and need closing or tightening. If the water is coming from the seal around the nozzle, the nozzle itself might be defective. Get in touch with our professionals so that we can perform this necessary replacement sooner rather than later.
T&P Valve Problems
The T&P valve, or the temperature and pressure relief valve, is a safety feature built into your hot water heater. If your temperature is too high for the heater to handle or the pressure in the heater is excessive, the valve might be under stress. This can make it appear that your water heater is leaking from the bottom. Occasionally, a faulty T&P valve will react to normal conditions as if there is still irregular pressure within the water heater. This means that a plumber will end up replacing the valve itself. A warning sign from your T&P valve indicates conditions that might cause a heater to burst, so contact a professional plumber right away if you suspect this is the reason your water heater is leaking from the bottom.
Tank Damage
One of the more serious reasons you might find a puddle on the bottom of your water heater is from damage to the water tank. Water heaters need to be periodically flushed due to natural sediment buildup within the tank. Sediment found naturally in water can erode the insides of your tank, causing rust and cracks. If your leak is caused by internal tank problems, it is likely necessary to replace the water heater altogether. This problem applies to gas water heaters. If you have especially hard water or persistent tank damage, consider a tankless water heater, which has a longer lifespan and integrates with your plumbing instead of utilizing a hot water tank.
Get Back to Comfort With Mister Sewer, Plumbing & HVAC
Our prompt, courteous, and professional staff can help diagnose, repair, and replace whatever is causing your water heater to leak from the bottom. Don’t hesitate to get in contact with us; we’re happy to help.
Even if your water heater is functioning normally, you still might be missing out on saving on your utility bills or achieving that perfect shower temperature. Check out these tips to enhance the lifespan and efficiency of your water heater. Plagued by other plumbing problems? Learn how to fix a gurgling drain or investigate these common reasons that you frequently get clogged pipes.