When Water Heater Leaking Is the Problem

When Water Heater Leaking Is the Problem

It is quite a frustration coming into a room and finding a puddle of water on the floor. Another mess to clean up and another chore to be added to your daily housekeeping routine. Your water heater leaking may subtly imply that there are other underlying issues in the device that need immediate attention.

Especially in colder weather, the homeowner usually needs a working water heater. Because of consistent use with your water heater, it is quite expected that some components may have worn out over time. Although a major repair is unnecessary, a defective drain valve is the most common reason for your water heater leaking from the bottom. The drain valve is responsible for draining sediments from the water heater, and its replacement is a relatively inexpensive cost.

However, if the issue is not the drain valve and the problem is still the water heater leaking from the bottom, it may be caused by corrosion from accumulated sediments at the bottom of the tank. Age and deterioration definitely go hand in hand and may need you to do a complete water heater replacement. Canvass the water heater replacement cost in Los Angeles from your local trusted plumber to ensure that you get the right water heater replacement fitting for your home.

3 Common Reasons That Your New Water Heater is Leaking

Maybe you just had a new water heater installed and are sure that your water tank hasn’t rusted yet, then your solution doesn’t require a total replacement for the device. In this case, where it is neither the drain valve nor tank corrosion that causes your water heater to leak, you may have better luck finding the solution because you do not need to worry about the water heater replacement cost. You can refer to the common reasons listed below that your water heater is still leaking:

• Loose gaskets in your water heater – When you turn off the power to your water heater and remove the “hatch covers” outside the water tank, you may find access to your gaskets. Continue to cut through some insulation to completely access the gaskets, and if you do find a leak in the gaskets, this may cause the water to seep outside the water heater.
• Cold water and hot water connections are not properly functioning – If the water leak comes from the cold water supply pipe or the hot water pipe, the issue can be resolved with an ordinary wrench. You can easily tighten the connections without professional help.
• Defective temperature and pressure relief valve – If water is leaking from the sides of the tank, this may be caused by a problematic T/P valve or too much pressure inside the tank. This particular valve is responsible for monitoring the right temperature, and pressure within the tank and the water heater leaking from the sides indicates that it is forcing more water out to prevent a bigger problem from occurring.

Seeking professionals can help you control your water heater replacement cost in Los Angeles, since the area is known for its affluence, expensive lifestyle, and fast-paced life. 

Does Your Water Heater Need To Be Descaled? And How?

Descaling water heaters is another step to maintaining your hot water tank. Every time you use your water heater, lime and other sediments can accumulate at the bottom of the tank and create a limescale. The buildup of limescale at the bottom of the tank can be one of the causes that water heater leaking has become a problem daily.

Descaling your water heater may need you to turn off the power to your device and relieve your water tank of pressure. If done correctly, you can hear a hissing sound in your water heater. Drain the water from your tank at the bottom using the drain valve. Pour a gallon of vinegar or lime descaler solution through the pressure relief valve hole. Allowing the vinegar or solution to sit for about 20 minutes and drain the tank again can renew the bottom of your water heater tank. Your water heater is good to go again after a successful descaling!

Tankless Water Heater vs. Tank Storage Water Heater: Which Is A Good Replacement?

If you are finally considering a water heater replacement because your current one is beyond repair, you may have encountered tankless water heaters in your search. But how do they differ, and what should you consider for your current household needs?

Tankless water heaters (or on-demand water heaters) deliver hot water directly to faucets or showers using high-powered burners. They are usually fueled by gas or powered by electricity. Traditional storage tank water heaters use natural gas or electricity and deliver hot water to various sinks around the house. They are also most commonly used in the typical household.

The tankless water heater cost is a bit higher than your traditional storage-tank water heater, but they have more than 20 years of life when maintained properly, compared to the storage tank water heater with only 15 years. They are also more energy-efficient, according to recent US Department of Energy studies.

However, the cost may add up to even more than the cost of only one purchase of a storage-tank water heater if you’re considering installing a tankless water heater at each hot water outlet. Another thing to consider for a storage-tank water heater is that they generally have more low-cost repairs when you encounter the water heater leaking than for a tankless water heater. You can consider researching the water heater replacement cost if a storage-tank water heater meets your needs more efficiently.

Schedule A Water Heater Repair or Replacement Today!

With all the above, you probably know what to do with your malfunctioning water heater at home now. If not resolved with our do-it-yourself solutions, it is better to call on our plumbing experts at Emergency Plumbing Services. You may fill out the contact form on this page to schedule an appointment easily.