Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Homeowner's Guide: Hot Water Heater Leaking

By Lori Wakefield


Water heater leaks can develop in a short period of time without regular water heater maintenance. Water can discolor and smell bad easily if you have rusty internal components inside. However, leaks don't always require a replacement since other problems can be solved through proper water heater repair. For complicated water heater problems, ask help from a specialist to prevent worsening the situation.

Always take safety into account before carrying out water heater repairs. You can start by shutting down your circuit breaker or your gas supply valve. Doing this avoids fatal accidents from happening. It also helps informing everyone in your household not to fiddle with your heating source since you are in the process of repairing your water heater. To prevent water from entering your storage tank, close the cold-water supply valve. It's always wise to work in a safe environment to protect you from the dangers of performing hot water heater repairs.

Leakages usually start from loose fittings or piping around your water heater tank. Simply use a wrench to tighten the fittings, assuming that your tank comes with threaded pipe fittings. For soldered fittings, you have the option to re-solder them or replace the leaky piping. However, not a lot of people have the knowledge on how to sold fittings properly. When in doubt, ask help from a specialist immediately.

Oftentimes, water heater leaks start from the T&P valve. This is typically located on the side part of your water tank. Lift the handle and release it to stop draining water from the overflow pipe. If you notice drips of water coming from the relief valve, replace it as soon as possible. Shut down your water heater and drain your tank empty to be able to replace the valve properly.

You can start draining by connecting a hose to your tank's drain valve. This is usually located at the base of your water heater. Let the hose run to a gutter or drain floor to avoid scalding. You can release the pressure by opening the drain valve and wait until your tank is empty. Inspect the unions connected to your tank's piping and disconnect the piping going in and out of your unit. Use a bucket to catch the residual water inside the fittings.

If your pipes are badly damaged, consider replacing them as soon as possible. You can use a Teflon tape or sealants on the threading to stop water from leaking. Tighten the pipes in a clockwise direction; however, be careful not to over tighten them as this can cause further damage. Once the pipes are tightened enough, you can now attach the pipes and connect the two unions.

At this point, water leaks should have stopped. You can test it by closing the drain valve and opening any hot-water tap inside your house. Refill your tank until full and look for possible areas of leaks. You can tell if the repair was a success if there are not water drips and puddles around your water heater.

These are just some areas you can check to determine if your water heater needs a repair or replacement. Always remember that tanks are sealed units, therefore, leaks coming from your glass-lined tank can be difficult or almost impossible to repair. An average handyman would usually call in a specialist to know other options of repairing the unit. Some people would try to patch the holes without doing a lot of research. Patching holes can only increase your power consumption since the water is not being heated efficiently. It is wise to replace the unit rather than spending too much on your monthly electric bill. When unsure, consult a specialist for guaranteed professional help.




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