Noticing a puddle of water near your water heater is never a good sign. When your water heater has a leak, the issue should be addressed immediately.
Leaks can damage your floors, walls, and other valuables if left unattended. However, knowing the cause of a water heater leak isn’t always obvious. Here, we discuss how common water heater leaks are and potential causes.
Call today to learn how to combat leaks with your home’s water heater or schedule water heater services in Madison, WI.
Why Do Water Heaters Leak?
Water heater leaks are a nuisance and can lead to worse issues if not dealt with promptly and appropriately. Despite this, they’re not rare.
There are several causes of water heater leaks, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with them and stay on top of routine maintenance.
Common Reasons Water Heaters Leak
- Old age: A system past its lifespan is one of the most common causes of a leak. If your unit is over 15 years old, it’s likely that its parts have worn out and can’t operate as they should.
- Rust & corrosion: Rusted or corroded components can lead to cracks that result in water escaping from the unit.
- High water pressure: If the water pressure is too high, your unit won’t be able to hold it. This leads to water leaking from cracks to relieve the pressure. This typically happens when the water is too hot.
- Loose inlet & outlet connections: Cold water enters the system through an inlet connection and exits through an outlet connection. When these components loosen over time, leaks can happen.
- Faulty pressure relief valve: As the name suggests, the pressure relief valve helps relieve pressure in your tank. When it’s defective, it won’t be able to work as intended, and leaks can occur to lower pressure.
Call Avid Plumbing for Water Heater Leak Repairs in Madison, WI
When you schedule a service with Avid Plumbing, you can expect a team of professionals there promptly with fully stocked trucks. We provide expert water heater service and repairs, so don’t wait to contact us if you notice leaks or puddling near your unit.
Our experienced plumbers will accurately identify the root of the problem and offer the best solution. We provide competitive and honest pricing, and same-day service is always available.
Ready to get started? Call today to schedule an appointment with our dependable team.
Water Heater FAQs
What are the most common reasons a water heater leaks?
A water heater can leak for several reasons, including loose or worn connections at the cold water inlet and hot water outlet, a faulty drain valve at the bottom of the unit, a malfunctioning temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve, or corrosion inside the tank itself. Over time, components wear out due to pressure changes, temperature fluctuations, and general aging, making leaks more likely.
Can a leaking water heater be repaired, or does it need to be replaced?
Whether a leaking water heater can be repaired depends on the source of the leak. If the leak comes from external parts such as pipe fittings, drain valves, or the T&P valve, a repair or part replacement may fix it. However, if water is coming from the tank body itself, that usually indicates corrosion or a crack inside the tank, and the entire unit will likely need to be replaced.
Is it normal for a water heater to leak a little?
Small amounts of moisture caused by condensation on the tank’s surface aren’t technically a leak but rather water forming from humidity in the air when a cold tank warms up. Consistent dripping or pooled water, however, is not normal and should be investigated promptly, since even small leaks can lead to water damage over time.