Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Proven Water Heater Leaking Tips

Proven Water Heater Leaking Tips

By Brian Winters


A Water heater is one of the most important heating devices in every household. It provides many years of trouble free-service, as long as they are maintained regularly and properly. However, water heaters can act up and leak due to wear and tear. When this happens, inspect the source of the leak to know what needs to be done. You can always ask help from a specialist if you don't feel comfortable fixing the unit on your own.

It is important to turn off the heating source of your unit before carrying out repairs. Doing this keeps you safe from unnecessary disasters. Remember, water and electricity are never a good combination. Stop water from entering the tank by turning off the water supply valve. If you think your gas connections are leaking, call an expert plumber for professional help.

Leaks usually start at the T&P valve. This relief valve is responsible for releasing pressure inside once it gets too excessive for the tank to handle. Change the thermostat settings to a lower temperature to minimize the valve from opening frequently.

Test the T&P valve by lifting the handle while allowing it to snap back on its own. Water should stop flowing out from the drain valve when the lever is released. If not, you may have a faulty relief valve. Have it replaced immediately to protect your tank from overheating or blowing up.

If your pipes are leaking, it is safe to assume that the pipes are loosely connected. Simply use a wrench to tighten the fittings or replace them once they are badly damaged. Look for rust stains around the pipes to recognize signs of leaks. Not taking immediate action can affect other parts of your unit. Experts recommend using a Teflon tape around the threading to stop water from leaking.

Oftentimes, an excessive sediment buildup causes a water heater to leak over a period of time. Draining and flushing the tank can remove the sediments inside but won't stop hard water minerals from building up. Fight against rust and corrosion by keeping the anode rod in good condition. This rod is responsible for attracting all charged water molecules inside, protecting your tank from completely rusting.Once it measures less than of an inch, have it replaced by a professional.

If you see signs of moisture right below the unit, it is possible that your internal tank is leaking. At this point, you are left with no choice but to buy a replacement unit. Patching water heater holes won't solve the problem since this will only lessen your unit's efficiency.

Oftentimes, water heater issues get out of hand if we try to repair the unit on our own. Doing this may damage the tank further, leading to a more costly water heater repair. Start maintaining your unit regularly to prevent water from leaking. Doing this keeps your water heater running smoothly while sustains its heating efficiency at the same time.




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