Why you need to pay close attention to a leaking water heater

So, have you noticed that your water heater has been leaking recently? For many people, a situation like this may only seem like a minor nuisance. The thing is though; a leaking water heater can quickly turn into a big problem if not handled appropriately.

Even smaller amounts of water can cause damage to any nearby metal objects due to potential corrosion, and it can also heavily affect the structure of your floors and walls. On the other hand, if your water heater is leaking, it can even be a sign of a much larger underlying issue. Worst case scenario – you might end up with a complete water heater failure that can cause quite a significant flood, ultimately resulting in hefty repair bills as well as damaged personal property.

Your pipes may start rusting

Due to the fact that water heaters operate at a higher temperature, if they are leaking, the pipes that lead to and from your water heater are heavily susceptible to rusting.

Experts on this topic explain that this is quite problematic – as when they become rusty, the probability is high that they are going to start to corrode. If left untreated, corrosion can end up causing cracks in your pipes up to the point that water leaks through them. If you want to find out about how you can assess this situation, you can click here in order to do so. It’s vital that you act before your pipes corrode as this doesn’t only affect your water heater and cause flooding, but it can also lead to your water being compromised by bacteria and toxic chemicals.

A buildup of pressure is a serious hazard

The extreme water pressure buildup is a rare occurrence in general, but if it does happen, your water heater might explode due to high pressure – and you surely want to avoid that – no matter how low the probability for that is. Now, why does this happen, and how could you prevent such an event?

If the leak is caused by an accumulation of water, you should make sure that you use your temperature-pressure relief valve, as it is designed to release excess water in those instances. The problem occurs if you happen to set the water temperature too high and if water pressure is too high and the valve happens to be broken or damaged. In cases like these, the only indicator that there is an underlying problem might be that your water heater is leaking as the pressure inside the system pushes the water out.

You are risking damaging your heating element

If your heating element happens to be broken or damaged in a certain way, it might be the culprit behind the leaks you are experiencing on your water heater. The problem is, as you know – water and electricity don’t and shouldn’t be mixed ever as it may end up not only in damage done to the system but also in a fire caused by the sparks flying around or an electric shock if you come in contact with water through which electricity is going.

If you suspect that your heating element is the reason behind the leaks you are experiencing, make sure that you turn off the water and power immediately. After that, you should proceed to drain out all water out of the water tank before doing anything else. If you aren’t well versed in working with electronics, it’s heavily advised that you call a professional to help you.

Your water might go bad

We have already mentioned that rusty pipes may lead to water going bad, but it’s important to talk about this in more detail as this is something that can pose a health hazard to your entire household. If it just so happens that water in your heating system has been contaminated by rust and bacteria, you should also know that this water is going to end up being distributed throughout the home from the water heater.

Leaks can lead to property damage

One of the most common problems resulting from leaking water is property damage to the surrounding floor and walls. Leaks like these can lead to mold growth which is a health concern on its own – and in some cases, if left untreated for longer periods of time, it might even seep down to the foundation of the home. If this happens, it can ultimately weaken your house’s foundation, which can lead to significant structural damage.

When it comes to neglecting maintenance or repair, neglecting them can not only result in an inconvenient scenario, but it can actually end up being quite dangerous for the entire household. So, if you want to prevent this from happening, just as with any other home comfort system, you shouldn’t rely on the fact that it is built to last – you want to make sure that you do proper maintenance regularly to ensure optimal efficiency. And if there are any problems like leaks, it’s vital that you act ASAP!