Saturday, July 20, 2013

Stop Water Heater Leaking Today

Stop Water Heater Leaking Today

By Brian Winters


It can be irritating to find out that your water heater has been leaking for a long time. That is why you have to inspect your tank regularly to detect early signs of damage. It is important to wipe water puddles around your unit as soon as you notice it. Finding the cause of the leak immediately protects other areas of your tank from corroding. A water heater replacement isn't always necessary once your unit starts leaking. Oftentimes, leaks can be stopped by carrying simple water heater repairs.

Do not panic if you see your unit leaking for this a common problem among water heaters. You can check the pipe fittings on top of the unit, valves and the base of the tank to know what is causing the leak. Two of these areas can easily be repaired while the other one requires a timely water heater replacement.

Start with the pipe fittings near the top of your unit. Water can easily leak if your fittings are loosely attached. Use a wrench to tighten the connections and expect water to stop leaking. For badly damaged pipes, replace them as soon as possible to prevent rust and sediment buildup. Do not over tighten to pipes to avoid further damage.

If the pipes are still leaking after tightening them, turn off the heating source of the unit as well as its water supply. Disconnect the pipe fittings and try wrapping the threading with a Teflon tape. This tape is sold at numerous home-improvement stores in your area. Water should stop leaking if the threading is completely covered. Turn on the water heater once the pipes are connected tightly.

Next area to check is the relief valve. This valve is responsible for releasing excessive pressure inside to prevent the tank from overheating or blowing up. When this happens, it is normal for water to come out of the valve spout. However, if the water temperature is set too high, expect the relief valve to release water more often. Minimize water heater leaks by adjusting the thermostat settings between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

You may have a faulty T&P valve if your water heater is still leaking. When this happens, replace the relief valve as soon as possible. Do not use your water heater if the T&P valve has malfunctioned since it can pose serious dangers to your entire household. Ask help from a specialist to install the relief valve properly.

If you think your pipes and valves are not leaking, check the base of your tank immediately. The internal components may have rusted, causing holes to appear at the bottom of the tank. To stop water from leaking, you are left with no choice but to buy a replacement water heater. Without regular water heater maintenance, your water heater can deteriorate sooner than you expected. Some prefer patching the holes instead of replacing their unit. However, doing this won't do you any good since your unit will eventually have lesser heating efficiency as it continues to operate. Start looking for the best water heater that will suit your household needs.

When unsure, do not hesitate to contact a specialist for professional help. Attempting to repair the unit on your own can only cause the problem to escalate. When this happens, it might be too late to carry out repairs since the unit already requires a replacement. Stop your water heater from leaking as soon as you notice moisture around it to avoid costly repairs.




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