Your water heater is an essential, yet often forgotten, part of your home. Water heaters have an important job and can work well for years when they’re properly cared for. Yet, many times, homeowners experience water heater leaks that can lead to multiple problems if not addressed right away.
Unfortunately, because water heaters tend to be out of sight, out of mind, the issue is often left undiscovered until damage has been done. Once a water heater begins to leak, it develops a reduced lifespan, and the longer it leaks, the less time it will last.
If you spot a leaking water heater, you will want to take a few immediate steps and then get help.
Water heater repair will ensure your water heater is cared for and repaired to prevent damage and give your unit the longest life span possible.
How Long Will My Water Heater Last with a Leak?
Once your water heater begins to leak, you will want to get it looked at right away. If it’s leaking, the problem could lead to other issues or even the end of your heater. The length of life of your leaking water heater will depend on a number of factors, including the location of the leak.
Most water heaters last from twelve to fifteen years. If yours is leaking, it doesn’t mean your water heater is at the end. In fact, with swift, proper diagnosis and care, you might enjoy your water heater for its intended span of life.
Depending on the reason for your leak, you could just have a simple issue that can be easily taken care of. You may have a shoddy dielectric fitting or a failing drain valve seal at your water line connections. With simple issues like these, you will only have to perform easy maintenance such as tightening valves. You can have your water heater back up and running in no time. These water heaters are likely to live their entire intended lifespan.
More difficult and invasive issues can cause permanent damage that could shorten the water heater’s lifespan. Take a look at some of the causes of water heater leaking:
- Poor placement of the hot and cold in/outlets. They can have issues that create damage and cause the water heater to leak.
- Water heaters last up to 15 years but can gradually break down over time. When the effects of aging start to show up, make sure you’re getting regular maintenance to keep your water heater running smoothly.
- Quickly rising temperatures and pressured drain valves. Too much pressure on the drain valves and a quickly rising water heater temperature can create damage that causes leaks.
- Water tank leaks. If the tank causes the water heater to leak, you’ll want to make sure to have it looked at right away. This can be a huge deal and should not be taken lightly.
Steps to Take When Your Water Heater Begins to Leak
When you first notice that your water heater is leaking, you will want to ensure the safety of your family and home.
Before you do anything else, you will want to turn off the power that leads to your water heater. Whether you have an electric or gas power source for your water heater, you will need to cut the power right away. Turn off the water heater breaker at the breaker panel for electric power. For gas power, find the knob on the thermostat and turn to “off” or “pilot.”
Once your power is turned off, you will want to shut off the water completely. You can do this by locating the cold water line that leads to your water heater and then turning the valve right until it is closed.
After you have the water turned off, it’s time to drain the tank. Standard water heaters have tanks that absolutely must be fully drained.
Follow these steps to drain your water heater:
- Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater.
- Run the attached hose to a sump pit, a floor drain, or outside.
- Open the valve and let the tank drain through the hose.
- If the water is having trouble draining, the problem is probably the vacuum. Break the vacuum by turning on a hot water faucet to let air into the tank.
Once you have drained your hot water heater, you will want to contact Four Seasons. The team at Four Seasons will be able to diagnose your water heater and repair your leak.
Four Seasons Plumbing for Water Heater Help
If you have a leaking water heater, you’ll want to call Four Seasons right away. Our expert team performs hot water heater repairs and other plumbing services to ensure your home is well-cared.
At Four Seasons, we offer
plumbing repairs, bathroom/kitchen remodels and installations, emergency services, and
drain cleaning. We will always make sure your water heater is running smoothly and gets to live its full lifespan. Our
water heater repair is top-notch and will help you get the moving assistance you need
