Leaking Hot Water Heater Repair or Replace?
If you have a leaking hot water heater and are unsure of whether or not you need a repair or a replacement, we can help you decide.
A leaking hot water heater does not always mean that your water heater has reached the end of its life. The location of the leak itself is what will help you decide what your next course of action should be. What you must do now is find the source of the problem before coming to any serious conclusions.
Condensation
If you spot a puddle on the floor near your tank it could be a product of condensation. This happens when the majority of the water inside your water heater is cold. During times when hot water usage in your home is high it is common to find puddles formed as a result of condensation. The cold water in the tank and the warmer air in your home, react in a way that causes condensation. If condensation is the culprit behind the puddles near your tank then a leaking hot water heater isn’t a problem you should worry about.
Pressure Relief Valve
When the pressure in your water heater becomes too high, the relief valve opens and steam is released until the pressure is back to normal. The steam that has now been released into the air in your home can condensate and create a puddle under your water heater tank. This is not an indication of a leaking hot water heater. If this becomes a recurring issue, even after setting your water heater to a lower temperature, the cause is more than likely a broken pressure relief valve. A broken pressure relief valve can lead to danger and is a serious issue which should be taken care of promptly. Contact an experienced plumber to replace the broken valve with a brand new one.
Leaking Gaskets
In order to heat water, an electric water heater uses two heating elements. These elements are sealed with gaskets in order to avoid leakage. When the gaskets become damaged or are worn out a leaking hot water heater may be the result. Before you take a look at your water heater’s heating elements make sure to turn off the power supply to avoid any possible danger. Look around the gaskets for any water that may have leaked out. If you do find water near the gaskets that means that they definitely need to be replaced. Before you can remove or replace the gaskets or heating elements, make sure to drain the water heater tank.
Leaking Pipes
Most water heater connect to two different pipes — one is a hot water line and the other is a cold water supply. These pipes are typically connected by elbow joints. Loose elbow joints are often what leads to leaking pipes. Tighten any loose elbow joints and this may fix the problem. If the problem still persists, shut off the water and power supply, and then proceed to disconnect the joints. Take each fitting and wrap the threaded end with plumber’s tape. Reconnect the joints and and restart the power supply and water supply.
Leaking Tank
If the tank itself is leaking water and there appears to be no other cause for the water leaking, your water heater is in desperate need of replacement. Old water heater units will end up experiencing corrosion due to the persistent stress of cooling and heating water. Unfortunately, there is no way to repair or fix a leaking hot water heater. Our rental rates are the best on the market, so you will always be getting a good deal.
At DeMark Home Ontario we offer our customers a wide selection of water heater units for rental which includes power vent, conventional vent, tankless, and electrical units. We carry a great selection of brands and tank sizes that can cater to your needs and budget. Our water heater rental includes:
- Free installation and removal of your old equipment
- 2 months of free rent
- Zero upfront costs
- No hidden fees
- Emergency replacement within 24 hours
- Free maintenance, service, and repairs available 24/7
- Transferrable to the next owner in the case of you selling your home
- No extra bills. Water heater rental charges will appear on the “Other Companies” section of your Enbridge Gas Distribution Bill
If you have any remaining questions regarding a leaking hot water heater or any of your other HVAC needs, DeMark Home Ontario will be glad to help. We offer service, repair and replacement by our team of fully licensed and highly trained technicians. With our years of expertise and experience in the HVAC industry we will help you find the best solution for your home’s needs. Call us today at 647-847-2998 or submit your request online and we will soon be the solution to all of your HVAC problems.
