Why is My Water Heater Leaking?

Have you ever gone into your utility room only to find a puddle of water on the floor? You mop it up, but it just reappears. Somehow, you manage to trace it to your water heater. Now, you're left asking yourself the question: “Why is my water heater leaking?”

Whether you have a gas or electric water heater, a leaking water heater is a serious concern. That's because it's often an indicator of severe underlying issues that require the immediate attention of a professional plumber.

But what are the common reasons why you have a leaking water heater? Water heater leaks can be the result of several causes, which we'll detail here. Remember, if your water heater's leaking, it's a serious problem—beyond just potential water damage. It can indicate that there are safety issues with your water heater that necessitate a professional water heater repair.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver has put together a list of top reasons why you might have a leaky water heater. Let’s answer the question: “Why is my water heater leaking?”

Vancouver Homeowners: “Why is My Water Heater Leaking?”

Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (T&P Valve)

You might be wondering about what the temperature and pressure relief valve (otherwise known as the T&P valve) is. It's a valve that's designed to release any excess pressure from your water heater's water tank. If you have a tank water heater, it's a safety mechanism to keep your home safe in the case of high water pressure.

If the T&P valve malfunctions or if the water pressure within the tank gets too great, you're going to have water leaks. If the pressure relief valve is defective or broken, it will need to be replaced by a professional plumber. Now, if the water pressure is too high, it can generally be fixed by adjusting your water heater’s settings.

Loose or Faulty Connections

Most often, if you're asking yourself why is your water heater leaking, the cause is either at the inlet connection for cold water or outlet connections for hot water. These points are where water enters and exits the water heater tank or the water heater itself if you have a tankless water heater.

If the connections are loose or corroded, you could tighten them yourself with a wrench to solve the issue. However, it's better to invest in preventative maintenance inspections from a plumbing expert to ensure that the problem has been dealt with and there aren't any other problems that could result in a water heater leaking.

Drain Valve Problems

Your water heater is equipped with a drain valve. The drain valve is used predominantly for regular maintenance. If it's damaged or isn't closed properly following maintenance work, it can result in a leaking water heater. If you're not familiar with your water heater, it's recommended that you have a licensed plumber check for a loose drain valve, ensuring that it's properly tightened or if it needs to be replaced altogether.

Sediment Buildup

If you don't have a water softener and live in an area with hard water, the minerals contained in the water will accumulate at the bottom of your water heater tank. This leads to corrosion and, eventually, your water heater leaking. The best step to avoid the buildup of sediment is to regularly flush your tank.

Aging Water Heater

Water heaters age, and if they're over ten years old, they're much more likely to start leaking due to corrosion and cracks in the tank. Both of which can lead to a leaking water heater. If your water heater is old and starting to show its age, it's likely time to look at investing in a replacement. You might want to consider the benefits of a tankless water heater installation.

High Water Pressure

Struggling to figure out why your hot water heater's leaking? It could be due to high water pressure. This puts the unit under a lot of pressure, leading to water heater leaks. Check your home's water pressure and consider having a plumber install a pressure-reducing valve to help manage the problem.

A Cracked Tank

If the tank itself is damaged, regardless of whether you have a gas water heater or an electric heater, that can lead to leaks. Physical damage or a manufacturing defect can result in cracks in the tank. If these are the cause of your water heater leaking, it means you're looking at a complete water heater repair or water heater replacement.

Anode Rod Failure

The anode rod plays a key role in protecting your water heater from corrosion. It's designed to keep you from having to replace a corroded water heater tank. If the rod deteriorates, it won't be able to effectively protect your tank from rust, leading to a corroded tank that's prone to springing a leak.

What are the Signs of a Leaking Water Heater?

The signs of your water heater leaking aren't just limited to puddles of water on the floor of your utility room. Water damage can result from these unexplained water heater leaks, but there are other signs that can

• Sudden drops in water temperature
• Hissing or popping sounds while the water heater is in operation
• Discoloured or rust-coloured water
• Damp or musty odours in your utility room

Dealing with a Leaking Water Heater? Vancouver Residents Can Trust Mr. Rooter Plumbing—Call Today

When it comes to solving the issues related to your water heater leaking, you'll need professional help, even if it's as simple as a loose connection. That's because the signs of corrosion aren't always obvious. You can help avoid the problems by properly maintaining your water heater and having it inspected annually to catch any problems early.

If you need help with your hot water heater, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver BC is there to help maintain your hot water supply. Whether the reason why you have a leaking water heater is because of loose pipe connections or mineral buildup within the tank, we can help with our comprehensive list of water heater services. Whether you’re in Vancouver or the surrounding areas of Killarney, Mount Pleasant, and West Vancouver, contact us today to set up an appointment!