Any time your water heater develops a leak, it can quickly cause major inconveniences to your daily routine, affecting everything from your ability to take a hot shower to doing the dishes. Even worse, the mess left behind by the leak can be incredibly expensive to fix, especially when it damages your drywall and flooring. Taking time to check the unit every so often for leaks is one of the best ways to stay ahead of costly repairs and safety hazards caused by water damage.
Check the Nearby Walls for Water Stains
If the overhead pipe connected to the water heater has a crack in it, water will leak out and soak into the surrounding drywall and baseboards. The same applies to a tank with a hairline fracture in it. If you see any signs of peeling paint, bubbling plaster or dark, discolored water stains, these are clear warning signs of a leak. The best way to resolve this issue is to turn the water supply off to the water heater and call a repairman right away. If you don’t get the leak fixed, the moisture may eventually trigger toxic mold growth, which will only add to your repair bill.
Inspect the Pipe Connections for Leaks
Your water heater’s pipe connections are highly susceptible to shifting and becoming loose over time, especially if you don’t have the unit regularly maintained by a professional. And once they become loose, there’s a much higher chance of leaks. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to check to see whether they are worn out or loose. To do this, take a paper towel and wrap it around each one. If the paper towel becomes damp, this means the threaded fittings and soldered copper joints are failing. They may just need to be tightened or replaced altogether. A plumber can do an inspection to see which repair will work best to prevent future leaks.
Watch for Rust Streaks on the Tank
As a water heater nears the end of its useful lifespan, the internal steel lining can crack and allow water to seep through the insulation jacket. The escaping moisture will eventually react with the metal exterior. This is why you may notice dark, reddish-brown rust streaks going down the side of the tank. If you see them, there’s unfortunately no easy fix for this problem. The only way to ensure the whole tank doesn’t completely blow out is to replace the water heater.
The absolute best way to keep your water heater from leaking is to have a plumber perform annual inspections and maintenance. If there are any worn-out components or pipe connections that seem to be failing, a plumber can replace them in order to prevent future leaks and water damage. If you live in Montgomery, AL or a surrounding area and need water heater repair services, make your first call to Alabama Home Pros.