Water heaters are one of those appliances we often take for granted, though they allow us to take hot showers and relaxing baths, to wash our hands and dishes in warm water, and to clean our clothes effectively. Although they are built to last, your water heater may eventually develop a leak. No matter what type of water heater you have, leaks not lead to reduced hot water availability, but also to increased energy costs. While it’s often easy to spot a leak, the cause of the leak may not always be so straightforward. In this post, we’d like to review several causes of water heater leaks in Washington, DC. If you need professional water heater repair, call All-Pro Appliance Repair today!

  • Condensation. If your hot water heater is covered in beads of water, then it’s likely not a leak, but excess condensation. If the air surrounding the water heater is warmer than the cold water entering the tank, then this temperature differential produces the condensation of water vapor on the tank’s surface. While this may be expected in humid climates, it may lead to problems.
  • Loose drain valve. Your water heater is equipped with a drain valve, which allows you to flush the water heater periodically to remove any sediment that has built up over time. If this valve becomes loose, then it will leak your hot water supply onto the floor. You’re paying for that water, so it’s best to resolve the leak now before it becomes serious and costly.
  • Too much pressure. Over time, pressure can build up in your tank. Your water heater is designed to accommodate this pressure by a special release valve, and this will often adjust accordingly. However, if this valve becomes damaged, then it could lead to a system imbalance. If your water supply pressure is too strong, this can also cause a problem for your heater.
  • Corrosion. While your sacrificial anode rod is there to protect your tank from corroding, if it needs replacement, then the water may begin to deteriorate the lining of your tank, which can cause cracking and eventually holes.

We hope this gives you some idea of the various reasons for water heater leaks. For water heater repair in Washington, DC, call All-Pro Appliance Repair today!