Try to imagine a day without hot water available at each tap and showerhead in your home. It already sounds miserable, doesn’t it? Now add to that losing hot water for your dishwasher and your laundry machine. Now it sounds even worse. It can happen if you allow your water heater to go without repairs when leaks start.

Leaks are the #1 problem water heaters face. We’re going to look at some of the most common leaks that you might encounter. These aren’t troubles you can fix yourself; you’ll need to call technicians like those at Ideal Services Heating & Cooling to take care of your water heater service needs in Holly Springs, NC. We have 20 years of providing quality heating and cooling to the greater Raleigh Triangle Area.

Frequent water heater leaks

Corrosion: Corrosion threatens any system where water and metal meet. The tanks of water heaters have special anode rods (also called “sacrificial rods”) on top of them that keep the oxidation that causes corrosion out of the tank. However, an anode rod will eventually rust through, and then corrosion will start to develop inside the hot water tank. The weakening of metal because of corrosion will rapidly cause leaks to occur. If the corrosion isn’t stopped soon, the whole hot water tank may need replacement.
Increased water pressure: If the pressure inside the pipes and the water tank begins to rise, the force will begin to cause leaking at connectors. You will probably first notice leaking coming from the pressure release valve on the tank. The heightened water pressure can come from an increase in the water’s temperature, or it may come from the municipal system, which is often set at levels appropriate for commercial use, not residential. You will need a professional to determine what is causing the problem and how to remedy it.
Loose drain valve: On the lower half of the water heater tank is valve that is used to drain out the tank if the system needs flushing. If you notice leaking, check to see if this valve has come loose. You can try to tighten the valve with a wrench, but if it has come loose because of breaks or rust, you’ll need a water heater technician to replace it.

Aside from threatening your hot water supply, leaks in your water heater will waste water and cost you money. We recommend you occasionally examine your heater to see if any leaking has started since sometimes the evidence for it won’t be obvious elsewhere. When you notice leaking, Call Ideal Services (919) 887-9680 and have repairs done right away. We’ll make sure that your water heater in Holly Springs, NC won’t fail you when you need it—which is every day.