Maybe you noticed that your water isn’t as warm as it used to be, or you got your recent water bill and you were gawking at the number. It turns out that your water heater is leaking. You might notice some puddles around the tank or water dripping from one of the valves. There are different reasons why this may occur. Here are five of the most common reasons why water heaters leak.

Faulty Pipe Fittings

All of the pipes that connect your water heater to the rest of your plumbing system have to be perfectly aligned to prevent leaks. Unfortunately, sometimes these pipes are not installed correctly, or they’re installed with improper fittings. While you might be able to fix a loose fitting with a wrench, it’s best to call in a professional plumber who can make sure that your water heater is fitted with the right hardware.

Malfunctioning Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

The temperature and pressure relief valve lets the water heater know when it’s too hot and when it’s time to relieve pressure. If this system isn’t working, then too much pressure can build up in your water heater, causing it to leak. Repairing this mechanism alone could be risky, so you should leave it to a pro.

Sediment Buildup

There’s a reason why plumbers recommend flushing your water heater regularly. The minerals that have naturally occurred in the water become deposits that settle at the bottom of the tank. Over time, this can cause extreme pressure buildup and even cracking. One of the easiest ways to prevent water heater leaks is to make sure you have an annual inspection and flush.

Corrosion

If the metal of your water tank changes due to natural chemical reactions, it can weaken the entire structure and result in leaks. Corrosion can affect the water heater tank and all of the pipes and bowels connected to it. In any case, you need an expert who can take a look at the system, identify where the leak is really coming from, and make sure that they replace any parts that have been damaged by corrosion.

High Water Pressure

This is a simple fix. If the water pressure is set too high, then it can cause water to leak out of your pipes or water heater. This is an easy repair, but it’s still best to have an expert look at it if you aren’t sure how to read your water pressure or make adjustments.

Don’t risk water damage or the frustration of a broken water heater. Contact Almighty Plumbing today for expert water heater repair in Antioch, CA.