Water Leaks
A puddle of water around your hot water heater is never a welcomed sight. Although they usually start small, leaks can lead to much bigger problems, even flooding. The first step to fixing the leak is to determine the source. The most common sources of water heater leaks are the temperature and pressure relief valve or the heater drain valve. The temperature and pressure relief valve is located on the side of the water valve. This valve can leak if it is faulty or not water tight. The drain valve is near the bottom of the water tank. If the drain valve does not close completely, there may be moisture inside.
Hole in Tank
If the leak does not seem to be from the temperature and pressure relief valve or the drain valve, it may be from a hole in the tank itself. Typically, you will not be able to see a hole because of the insulation around the tank, but a plumber can easily tell you if this is the cause of the leak. A leaking tank is usually caused by a cracked or rusted internal component. Sediment can build up inside the tank and wear down the internal components, causing rusting and breakage. Over time, this deterioration interferes with the structural stability of the water heater and causes it to leak.
Water Temperature Issues
Water heaters should heat your water to an ideal temperature. Water that is too hot can be uncomfortable and can even burn you, but water that is too cold can be a nuisance. The thermostat on the unit may be set too high or too low, and may need to be adjusted. If the thermostat is set correctly but the water temperature is either too hot or too cold, the thermostat may be faulty or broken. If you’re not sure, this is why it’s important to know who to call to replace or repair your water heater in McKinney.
Noise Problems
Hot water heaters should be relatively silent, so if yours is unusually loud, there may be a problem. Apart from being simply annoying, a noisy water heater is a sign of internal problems. Over time, sediments in the water can build up inside the tank. Since the tank gets very hot, it can burn up this sediment, causing the loud noise you hear. (This is not referring to tankless water heaters, as those repair needs are much different.) If your water heater is making a scary noise, it might actually have a scary source!
Solutions to Water Heater Problems
Most problems with water heaters can be easily fixed by replacing one part or another. If the temperature and pressure relief valve is leaking because it is faulty or not water tight, it can be replaced with a new one. If the t&p valve is brand new but still leaking, the internal pressure may need to be adjusted to fix the problem. The drain valve can also be easily replaced if it does not close properly. The water temperature can be fixed by adjusting the thermostat, or if the thermostat is faulty, it can be replaced. A hole in the tank or noise due to sediment build-up require repair that is more involved. If there is damage to the tank itself, it most likely will need to be replaced, especially if it’s leaking from the bottom. If you are experiencing any of these common water heater issues, call Hackler Plumbing in McKinney. We would be happy to help! Call today: 214-585-1499
