When a water heater starts to leak it’s usually a slow process that goes without notice for some time. Water can start to seep out pipes and the tank itself that can cause all sorts of problems and water damage to your home. For most water heaters these problems can be quite apparent, while other problems can seem to go on for some time before they are even noticed. In this post we’ll take a look at different problems that you’ll need to be aware of which can cause a leaking water heater in Ann Arbor Michigan and what you should do about it.
Problems That Can Cause a Leaking Water Heater in Ann Arbor Michigan
Most homes today have traditional or standard water heaters which use a tank of water which is heated by either electric or gas. There are other types of water heaters such as tankless water heaters which can also have problems but for this post we’ll focus more on the traditional water heaters with an interior tank on the unit. While both of these systems can have problems with leaking water, many times the tankless water heater will be much more obvious if there is a leak present. For traditional water heaters the leak can be very slow and go on for months without anyone noticing.
How Fast is the Water Leaking?
The biggest question you’ll need to ask is just how fast the water is leaking. If there is water all around the unit, there may be a problem with the supply of the water heater. Pressurized water entering the water heater may have a leak which can spray water much like an open garden hose. If you notice this spray coming from the top of your home’s water heater then the likelihood of the connection causing the problem of the water leak. For slower leaks the problem may be with the water heater itself and a leak has developed in the interior tank of the unit. This is common on older water heaters that have been in use for some time.
How Long Has the Leak Been Present?
A small leak may not cause water damage in your home. Instead, a small water heater leak can go on for many months before it’s even noticed. The reason for this is because most water heaters are installed on a water heater pan which is designed to catch any water leak and divert that water out of the home. There is also a drain pipe connected to the water heater pan which diverts water out of the home. While this may provide protection from water damage in your home it can create a problem with your water heater. Both in terms of causing it to rust to dropping it’s energy efficiency if the insulation inside the water heater becomes saturated with this leaking water.
Connections on the Water Heater
There are several connections on the water heater itself. There is a drain where you can connect a garden hose which can leak. Also there are overflow and overpressure valves located on the water heater which vent the water heater if the pressure is too great inside the tank. For the most part, these connections are never used unless there is a problem but they can sometimes end up causing a leak with the water heater.
Water Leaking from Tank
One of the biggest problems for water heaters when it comes to a water leak is the tank itself. Most water heaters are designed to last about ten years and after that the tank on the inside of the water heater may start to rust. You water quality and environment where the water heater is located will also have an impact on the longevity of the unit. If your tank is leaking it’s usually a good idea to replace the water heater with a new one.
Call a Professional Plumber
When you have a problem with your home’s water heater, it’s usually not a do it yourself type of project. Improper repairs can lead to even more damages and problems with your home’s water heater. It is always best to have a qualified plumber inspect, repair, or replace your home’s water heater to ensure it’s done right. If you live in the Ann Arbor Michigan area, one of the best plumbers available is A2 Plumbers Michigan. They have master plumbers on staff ready to help. Call them today at (734) 291-0258 for plumbing service in Ann Arbor Michigan.