A water heater is essential for your everyday use that should be maintained in top shape throughout. There are many water heater problems that can prompt you to call in an expert immediately. For instance, if you find stagnant water near or around it, treat it as a plumbing emergency. This is because the leak can escalate and cause wall and floor damage if left unchecked. Here are some potential reasons why your heating equipment has leaks.

Tank Issues

If you notice bottom leaks, your tank is the problem. For instance, an old tank will incur rust which eats away the metal parts and leaves it with tiny holes or cracks. Also, your tank will have a sediment buildup as it ages. In such a case, failure to hire an expert for routine tank clean-up leaves your tank vulnerable to cracks. If you notice visible cracks and leaks, it might be time to replace your tank to mitigate water damage.

Drain Valve Malfunctions

When your drain valve has issues, you might notice stagnant water at the base of your water heater. You should know that this component helps push out debris and sediments from your equipment. Given this strenuous task and regular use, it can become loose with time and cause leaks. That said, a professional plumber can fasten the valve to mitigate leaks. However, your drain valve may also malfunction due to debris and sediment buildup. If this is the case, a professional must clean it to restore proper function.

Loose Inlet and Outlet Connections

The inlet connection allows cold water into your equipment while the outlet connection supplies hot water. As such, the connections are constantly used to meet hot water demands for your faucets and showerheads. With time, the connections can become loose and contribute to leaks. If this is the case, you will notice water leaking from the top of your tank when these parts are loose. Luckily, an expert can remedy this issue by tightening them. This way, water will reach your plumbing fixtures at the right pressure.

Loose Gaskets

Gaskets are mechanical seals made of elastic polymer or rubber and prevent water from seeping from your heater. However, these gaskets can loosen over time due to expected deterioration. In most cases, a plumber can catch loose connections during a routine inspection. However, if you neglect maintenance, you will encounter leaks due to loose gaskets. In such a case, you must replace your gaskets to ensure watertight seals and no leaks. 

The above reasons could explain why your water heater is experiencing leaks. So, don't hesitate to get expert help if you notice water around your equipment. A plumber can inspect the leakage points to determine the problem and fix the affected components.

For more information, contact a water heater repair service near you.

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