Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?
A pool of water beneath your water heater is your appliance’s way of crying for help. Whether it is due to age, malfunction, or component failure, a leak is almost always an early indicator of a system failure waiting to happen. But how do you figure out precisely why that puddle forms under your hot water system? In this post, our expert plumbers share some of the most common culprits of leaks in residential heaters in Nevada and how to keep your system in the best shape with preventative measures.
Common Causes of Water Heater Leaks in Nevada
Age of the Tank
Over time, the internal tank of a water heater corrodes due to constant exposure to water and minerals, which eventually show up as small cracks or holes where water seeps out. Check the area around and under the tank for signs of moisture or pooling water. If the tank is over 10 years old, there is a higher risk of corrosion-related leaks. This is especially the case in most parts of Nevada with the hard water supply rich in calcium and magnesium. You might notice rusty water or increased heating costs before a leak starts as the tank’s efficiency declines.
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (TPR Valve)
The TPR valve is designed to prevent the tank from bursting by releasing water if the pressure inside the tank becomes too high. If this valve malfunctions or excessive pressure builds up, it might be why the water heater is leaking.
Look for water dripping from the discharge pipe that extends from the TPR valve to the floor or drain. Lift the test lever to check its operation (water should flow freely when open and stop when closed). If your home’s water pressure is consistently too high or the heater’s thermostat frequently overheats, the TPR valve may activate more frequently.
Inlet and Outlet Connections
These are the points where cold water enters and hot water exits the heater. It is possible that these fittings may have loosened up or the seals may have degraded with time. If you have recently had disruptions in your water supply or pressure surges, it could have jostled the connections and created a leak. Inspect both the inlet and outlet connections for any signs of moisture. You can try gently tightening the connections with a wrench, but be careful not to overtighten.
Drain Valve
The drain valve is used for flushing the tank to remove sediment or draining the tank. If not fully closed or if it is damaged, it may start dripping water. After draining or flushing the tank, if the valve does not fully close or if it was handled roughly, it may start to leak. You can check the valve at the base of the tank for any signs of water. Try placing a bucket underneath and gently opening and closing the valve to see if it stops leaking when closed.
Internal Tank
A sudden appearance of a large amount of water indicates a serious crack or hole in the internal tank; in this case, you may have no other option but to replace the entire heater. The internal tank is encased within the outer shell of the heating system. If it cracks due to corrosion, water will leak out and collect at the base of the heater.
Anode Rod Decay
If you see rusty water or increased sediment in your hot water, this might mean the anode rod is failing. It is supposed to last about 5 years, but it depends on your local water quality and usage. If your tank’s anode rod has worn out, it is no longer protecting the tank, because it may have created small cracks for water to seep out.
To check the rod, turn off the power and water supply to the heater, drain some water from the tank, and unscrew the rod from the top of the tank. If it is less than half its original thickness or coated with calcium, it is a sign that it needs replacing. It is better to leave this task to a professional plumber in Las Vegas.
Condensation
Sometimes, moisture from the air condenses on the outside of the heater and drips down, giving the appearance of a leak. This is mostly harmless. Most newly installed water heaters experience it as they heat up for the first few times. The first few uses during colder seasons also cause more condensation due to the lower incoming water temperature. But if it becomes a persistent issue, you might want to call a water heater expert to make sure there is no underlying issue like damaged insulation or poor ventilation.
Faulty Installation
The following issues might cause leakage if the water heater was not installed correctly:
- The cold water inlet or hot water outlet connections are not tightened properly.
- Fittings installed are not compatible with the water heater’s material.
- The water pressure from the main supply to the heater is too high and exceeds the tank’s rating.
- The pressure relief valve is the wrong type or size for the water heater.
- The heater is not on a stable, level base and vibrates when in operation.
- The piping connected to the water heater is not properly supported.
- The exhaust venting for gas water heaters is not done right and creates condensation buildup inside the vent pipe.
If you suspect the installation might be at fault but are not sure how to confirm or fix the issues, call a plumbing contractor near you to perform a comprehensive inspection and learn how to fix a leaking water heater.
Schedule Your Water Heater Check-Up in Nevada Today
At Active Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we have 25+ years of experience in diagnosing and repairing all types of water heater leaks originating from a loose cold water inlet, hot water outlet, broken thermostat, eroded tank, leaking drain valve, damaged heating elements, and more. If you live in Nevada, trust us to address the leak the same day, within our first visit to your home.
Call us at (702) 553-1171 or contact us online to book a maintenance visit. Our on-site team can help keep your hot water flowing without interruption and offer system-specific water heater maintenance tips as well.
