What Are The Causes Of Water Heater Leaks?

What Are The Causes Of Water Heater Leaks?

Water leaking all over the place is one of the worst things that can happen to businesses and organizations. Not only that you don't get a steady supply of water when you need it, but the water heater leaks can cause damage to floors and foundations, not to mention that it will also drastically increase your bills.

Fortunately, you can do something to prevent this. Water leaks happen for a reason and if you're diligent about this aspect, you can save money and headaches. Keep reading to find out the main reasons for water leaks within your establishment.

Drain Valve Gets Damaged

The drain valve is used to eliminate water from the water heater tank. This is useful when someone wants to clean the tank or for other reasons. However, with the passing of time, the drain valve can get seriously damaged. As a result, water will leak most of the time and cause damage to floors, furniture items, and foundations. It's wise to inspect the drain valve regularly and make sure there are no leaks. If this is the culprit for a major loss of water, consider replacing the drain valve altogether.

The Water Heater Is Too Old

Water heaters are guaranteed to work for 5-10 years or longer if they are properly maintained. However, frequent usage can take a toll on your water heater and it's not much you can do about it. Even with proper maintenance and regular inspections, some water heating devices need to be replaced altogether because they might be damaged beyond repair. If your equipment leaks frequently and it's already 10 or 15 years old, consider replacing it with a new unit.

The Inlet And Outlet Connections Become Loose

The inlet connection allows cold water to get into the tank while the outlet connection allows hot water to flow to your fixtures. This is all fine and dandy until one or both of these connections become loose. In this case, you might need to carefully inspect the connections and see which one is leaking water. You can repair loose connections if necessary, but frequent water heater inspections are recommended to prevent major leaks altogether.

The Anode Rod Gets Worn Out

The anode rod is installed in water heaters for a reason. It absorbs corrosive substances so that they don't damage the water tank. This works well for a while, but after prolonged usage with little to no maintenance, anode rods can get worn out. As a result, corrosive substances start damaging your water heater tank and cause cracks. Water will simply flow through these cracks and start damaging your floors and furniture items. Consider inspecting and cleaning the anode rod regularly to avoid major leaks that are costly to fix.

At Water Heating Direct, our experts strive to provide solutions to customers looking to cut costs and obtain premium services when it comes to water heating. We have years of experience in the water heating industry and we serve multiple businesses and industries. Contact us today to learn more about our services.