If you’re like most people, you probably take your water heater for granted. You turn on the faucet, and hot water comes out – no problem! But what if your water heater starts to leak? Suddenly, you have a big problem on your hands. In this blog post, we will discuss some full-proof tips to help prevent your heater from leaking in the first place. Follow these tips, and you can rest assured that your heater will last for years to come!
Importance of identifying a leak
When your heater starts to leak, the first thing you should do is identify the problem. This may seem difficult at first, but it’s usually pretty clear once you know what it is. A visible sign of a leaking heater is visible overflowing of the sediment tray. Sediment trays are located at the bottom of your tank, allowing sediment and sediment buildup to collect there. A leaking heater means that your tray is either full or over-flowing of sediment and minerals, which can clog the system and lead to bigger issues later. If you notice this, follow our steps below to fix the problem!
Tips For Fixing A Leaking Heater
1) Water heater repair. If the heater leaks due to sediment buildup in the tray, you can clean it yourself with vinegar. Vacuum out the tray with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner and scrub it clean with white distilled vinegar. After cleaning it, fill the tank enough to cover the bottom of the tray, then add two gallons of water. Heat this water up on the highest setting for an hour, then cool the tank. Fill it with cold water, adding one gallon of antifreeze to prevent freezing during winter months, and run the heater on high for about half an hour. Try turning the faucet on throughout different parts of your home. If you notice less water coming out or no leaking within an hour, you should be good to go.
2) Perform a pressure test on your heater. If there are any leaks other than the sediment tray, it may be time for a professional to take a look. At first, you can attach a hose to your drain valve and open it up. Turn on all faucets throughout your home to put pressure on the tank. If there are no leaks, you can go ahead and shut off your water while the system is still pressurized. This is a good way to see any smaller leaks in your system while not wasting too much water throughout the test.
3) Heater wrap. Another way of protecting your unit from overheating or further leaks is to wrap it with insulation. You can purchase kits at any home improvement store that will allow you to cover the unit in just a few minutes. This provides an extra layer of protection, which can help lengthen the lifespan of your heater.
4) Plumbing repair. Get plumbing experts to come to your home. Most plumbing experts are experienced with heater installation and repair, so they can be a good help when it comes to keeping your unit in great shape. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about the state of your heater, feel free to give us a call at Precision Plumbing.
Precision Plumbing
2470 N Decatur Unit 170, Las Vegas, NV 89108
702-253-6363
