If their water heater is leaking, most people consider it nothing more than a nuisance, especially if the water heater is situated in an unfinished basement area with a drain which the water may flow and leave the property. Water heater leaks may have serious repercussions, so you should be aware of the dangers. To learn more, click here.
Is the leaking water heater an emergency?
Yes! It is an emergency, and the services of an emergency plumber must be employed as fast as possible. If your water heater floods, you will find yourself ankle-deep in water that is quickly seeping into your flooring and creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. The only option available to you is an emergency plumbing service when this happens. The presence of leakages may indicate that the tank will collapse catastrophically and perhaps explode, which is not the desired outcome.
We will look at some of the questions homeowners have asked, ranging from, What may cause a water heater to leak? Can a leaking water heater explode? If your water heater is leaking, what are the signs to look out for, and is your water heater leaking dangerous? In addition, how long will a water heater endure if it begins to leak?
Why would my hot water heater be leaking?
The following are likely causes of leaks, as well as immediate actions to take while awaiting the arrival of the emergency plumber service:
Faulty drain valve
It is critical to stop the flow of water, power, and gas to your water heater if it is leaking due to a faulty drain valve. Remove the water heater drain valve and replace it with another one. Allow several hours before refilling the tank to prevent the tank from breaking due to the sudden temperature change.
Loose or not correctly fitted pipes and connections
The device’s cold water intake or hot water output connections may become loose or oxidize. It may be as easy as just tightening the connections or changing the fittings to make the problem disappear. Obtain the services of a professional plumber to conduct the necessary repairs and evaluate the remainder of the unit if a replacement is required.
Temperature and pressure valve malfunction
This device, which can be found on the side of your water heater, is one of the safety features of your water heater. A professional plumber service should be hired if the temperature and pressure valve is leaking from its connection.
On the other hand, if this valve discharges to water and steam, it may perform just as intended. The thermostat should be adjusted in ten to fifteen-degree increments until the release is no longer present in this case. If the condition continues, contact a professional for aid as soon as possible.
Problem with the tank
The glass tank of your water heater may suffer pinhole leaks or ruptures due to sediment accumulation, aging, or temperature shock, among other factors. If any event happens to be the case, it is essential to replace your water heater.
Is it safe to use a leaking water heater?
No! It can be catastrophic, putting lives and property in danger. Water heater leaks may cause thousands of dollars in personal property and structural damage if not addressed immediately. Below are some of the dangers a leaking water heater poses:
- Gas leak: this is due to gas leaking from your water heater, and it is similar to other gas leakages in that it is highly flammable.
- Scald Risks: this could result in a fatal skin injury
- Extreme fire hazard: the gas leak and result in fire outbreak and destruction of priceless properties and negative effect on the health of family members.
- Explosion: the most severe danger of water heater leaks.
While most water heaters are equipped with safety safeguards to prevent this from happening, an explosion is still a genuine and most significant danger of a leaky water heater.
How do you know if your water heater is at risk of exploding?
A leaking water heater is very hazardous and may result in serious (and occasionally fatal injuries if not treated immediately. The following tips can assist you in identifying a water heater leak:
Decrease in water outflow pressure
Depending on the quantity of water leaking from your water heater, you may suffer a considerable decline in water pressure from fixtures/faucets.
Sudden cessation of hot water coming from fixtures/faucets
When a leak causes the pilot light to go out or the electrical components of a water heater to short out, the water heater will cease generating hot water. This can be an early pointer to a leaky water heater.
Water leakage from temperature and pressure valve
This implies that the relief valve has failed or that the temperature or pressure inside your water heater has exceeded the safety limitations set out by the manufacturer.
Pooling water around the base of the water heater
This might indicate a pinhole leak, a break in the tank, or some other severe problem.
How long will my water heater last once it starts to leak?
You may be able to get another week out of it, depending on where the leak is originating from and whether or not your basement has filled with water by then. The typical home water heater has a working life of around twelve years, with fifteen years being the upper limit. It is preferable to have a professional repair it as soon as a leak is found, rather than later. A leaking water heater can explode if not promptly attended to.
Never leave your water heater leaking!
Do not leave the leaks for later; act now! There is no such thing as a leak that will magically stop leaking on its own. Do not wait until you are faced with the risk of a leaking water heater; instead, contact and hire professionals to get your water heater examined promptly so that you can avoid damages and expensive repairs down the line. According to HomeAdvisor, the average quote for fixing a leaking water heater is about $219 to $954.
Your water heater may not be leaking at the moment, we suggest that you get it tested yearly as a preventive precaution to keep you and your family safe and comfortable.
