Your family relies on hot water for many different activities, so when there is a problem with the water temperature or water pressure, it can be a big inconvenience. One of the most common causes of these problems is a leaky water heater. There are many reasons why your water heater may begin to leak. Some problems require a simple fix that you can take care of yourself while others may call for a more experienced hand from a B&L Ott technician. The first step to fixing your water heater is figuring out what is causing the issue. Therefore, we have created this brief list of possible causes to help you decide whether or not you need to contact B&L Ott.
Drain Valve
One of the most common reasons for water heater leaks is due to a loose drain valve. When the heater comes on, it vibrates which can loosen the valve over time. If you think the leak is being caused by a loose drain valve, use a wrench or a pair of pliers and turn the valve clockwise to tighten. Be careful not to make it too tight; only turn the valve until it is snug and do not force it.
Damaged Parts
Just like any other machine, water heater parts don’t last forever and may begin to wear down after a while. They can become damaged and start to malfunction. When this happens, the entire system may experience trouble. Parts may not fit or mesh properly anymore, which can cause leaks and other water heater malfunctions. If you notice any damaged parts and need help replacing them, contact B&L Ott for help.
Sediment Deposit
After years of use, rust and minerals may begin to collect at the bottom of the tank. This sediment can cause corrosion which leads to breaks in the sealing that allow water to seep out. Rust can also create holes in the tank if left untreated. If you think sediment deposit may be your problem, B&L Ott in Reading can help you flush out sediment and provide a chemical treatment to fix your system. Getting your heater checked sooner rather than later can help you prevent costly repairs in the future.
Too Much Pressure
Another common issue is too much air pressure. If your water heater is set to high, pressure will build up within the tank and can cause water to leak out of the overflow pipe. This may also be a sign that you need to replace your hot water heater soon. If you let the problem go too long, you may risk total failure of your system and worse flooding. Contact B&L Ott to learn more about replacing and installing a new heating system.
Old Tank
Although water heaters are built to last for many years, eventually age will become a factor in decreasing your system’s efficiency. Different heaters may last longer than others, but a quality, well-maintained system will usually last between 10-15 years. When it reaches this age, you may notice more leaks and increasingly frequent problems with your system. Over the years, corrosion will likely take place within the tank and other parts may get worn or damaged. If your water heater is nearing the end of its life, B&L Ott can quickly install a new heater for you before you experience the inconvenience of a total breakdown.
Condensation
If you notice condensation on the outside of your heater tank, you may worry that your system is leaking. Visible condensation on the outside of the tank does not always mean there is a leak. When cold water and warm air meet, condensation often occurs. You can simply wipe off the condensation with a towel and return to your daily activities. If you still think there is a problem, however, B&L Ott would be happy to help by sending one of our experienced technicians to come and inspect your system for you.
Contact B&L Ott
B&L Ott provides quality water heater and HVAC system services to the Berks County area. You can learn more about our water heater maintenance and installation services by using the following link: https://otthvac.com/water-heater-installation-maintenance/. If you wish to schedule a repair, installation or discuss another service, you can fill out the form on our contact page, https://otthvac.com/contact-us/ or call B&L Ott at 610–816–6026.