Seeing a pool of water around your water heater can be alarming. While condensation around your unit is normal, water leaking from the bottom is not. If you’re dealing with this issue, Village Plumbing, Air & Electric’s experts are here to help. In this blog post, we’ll go over the causes of this issue and what to do if your water heater is leaking.
Potential Reasons Your Water Heater Is Leaking From the Bottom
Water heater leaks are a common issue that can have any number of causes. Your leak could be the result of:
- Faulty connections: Your tank receives cold water from your main water supply line and then delivers hot water to your home through an outlet connection. These connections can become loose, causing leaks. Luckily, this is typically an easy fix.
- Temperature and pressure relief valve issues: The T&P valve in your unit helps release excess pressure and temperature from your water heater. If it’s damaged, it can’t release pressure properly, causing a leak.
- Damaged drain valve: A faulty or damaged drain valve is a common cause of leaks. This valve releases water from your water heater — if there’s an issue, it won’t be able to release water properly, leading to excess water around your unit.
- Age: Sometimes one or more of these issues is causing the leak and it’s really the result of the age of your unit. If your water heater is over 10 to 15 years old, it may be time to consider a full replacement.
What to Do If Your Water Heater is Leaking
It’s easy to panic if you notice a leak, especially if water has really started to accumulate around your unit. The most important step you can take is calling a trusted plumber to come in for the water heater repairs you need, but there are some immediate things you can do to prevent further damage to your unit or your property:
- Turn off the power (for electric water heaters) or set the thermostat to the OFF position and close the gas shut-off valve (for gas water heaters).
- Shut off your water supply by locating the cold-water valve, which is typically toward the top of your water heater. This will stop more water from entering the tank and leaking out.
Preventing Future Water Heater Leaks
Sometimes, leaks just happen. But you can do your best to prevent leaks and other plumbing issues by staying on top of water heater maintenance. Whether you have a tankless unit or a traditional tank model, annual maintenance for your water heater is the key to keeping it in good shape and preventing issues.
Count on Us for Water Heater Repairs in Houston
When you’re dealing with a water heater leak or any other plumbing issue, turn to a plumber you can trust. Village Plumbing, Air & Electric has over 75 years of experience in Houston. With same-day service and convenient upfront pricing, we’re your trusted choice for water heater repairs.
Contact us online today for a free estimate on water heater repairs in Houston, TX.
