Water Heater Repair Guide

The importance of a water heater is usually only felt when disaster strikes. Water heaters are appliances that are essential in our modern homes. A leaking water heater could result in unwanted expenses and unhealthy living spaces if left unrepaired. It is therefore best to get your water heater fitted and repaired by a professional technician. Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric have been providing reliable service since 1983. Our technicians are backed by experience and are highly skilled to help you with all your water heater repairs.

Is Your Water Heater Leaking?

The most obvious sign of water heater leakage is a damp or wet area surrounding the water heater, but this does not necessarily mean that your water heater is in need of repair. The plumbing surrounding your water heater and home could also be responsible. The weather may also be a contributing factor. During damp or wet weather, puddles of water may accumulate and create the illusion of a leaking water heater. To check you can start by:

• Drying your water heater and surrounding water – wipe down the water heater to see if any obvious leaks are present.
• Place a paper towel or dry cloth underneath the water heater – if it becomes damp or wet it will confirm the existence of a leak.

What Is the Source of the Leak?

To correctly identify the source of the leak, you should get a professional to inspect your water heater. The technicians at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric will be able to inspect the water heater itself and the connecting plumbing and valves to ensure that the leakage is addressed quickly.

The most common sources of water heater leaks are:

1. The Heater Drain Valves
   A leak from the heater drain valve is less concerning and often can be easily repaired.
2. The Cold-Water Inlet and The Hot-Water Outlet
   Inlet and outlet connection leaks are very common – checking the connection points may reveal a loose connection and may only require some tightening to solve the leakage.
3. The Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
   This type of leak is more concerning but is repairable. The temperature and pressure relief valves can usually be found on the side of the water heater. It is traditionally connected to a pipe that runs right down to the floor. This valve is essential to your water heater as it controls the water pressure within the heater as well as protecting against overheating. The most common leakage points are the point where the valve enters the tank. It should be watertight. The valve itself could also be the source of the leak.
4. The Bottom of the Hot Water Heater Tank
   Damage from the physical water heater tank can be a major cause of leaks – the water heater tank is surrounded by insulation and an additional outer casing. All leaks of this nature will be internal and will only be noticeable by water escaping from the bottom of the tank. The only solution in this case is to repair the leak and if the water leak is irreparable, a good replacement is essential.

To Repair Or Replace?

Water heater repairs can be costly depending on the nature of the damage. It is therefore important to check your water heater regularly and contact a professional as soon as the leakage occurs. Damage to the water heater tank itself generally occurs as a result of age and deterioration – replacing these tanks may be essential and also cost effective in the long run. At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric we install and supply a variety of water tanks including electric and gas water heating tanks. Contact us today for all your water heater repair and replacement needs. Art can fix it!