Why is my water heater leaking
Diagnosing Water Heater Problems: A Quick Guide
Is your water heater giving you trouble? No need to stress—diagnosing and fixing common water heater issues is simpler than it seems. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of identifying typical problems like leaking tanks or inadequate hot water and offer straightforward solutions to keep your showers warm and your water heater running smoothly. Let’s dive in and get your water heater back to peak performance!
If you’re not getting any hot water, the first thing to check is whether the pilot light has gone out. If it has, you can relight it by following the instructions in your owner’s manual. If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, a gas company technician can help.
Strange noises coming from your water heater often indicate that minerals or hard-water scale have accumulated inside the tank and broken off. To resolve this, you’ll need to drain the tank and clean out the sediment. This is a task you might want to leave to a professional.
If you notice water on the floor near your water heater, it’s likely due to water seeping from the tank. This could be caused by a loose valve or a leaky pipe. If no pipes appear to be leaking, try tightening the valve, as water might be escaping from there. If the leak persists, it could be due to a faulty valve, an obstructed vent, or a defective heating element.
If your water isn’t hot enough, start by checking the thermostat to ensure it’s set correctly. If it is, consider when you last flushed the tank—mineral buildup inside can prevent proper heating. If flushing isn’t the issue, the problem might be with the dip tube. A broken dip tube can prevent the water from heating properly. To check it, remove the cold water supply line and pull the dip tube out of the tank.