Friday, July 12, 2013

Expert Advice On Leaking Water Heater

By Lori Wakefield


Walking into a basement and stepping on water puddles can be a horrible thing to deal with. Avoid this from happening by following the steps below to stop your water heater from leaking. It is important to wipe the pool of water near the base of your unit to stop mold and mildew from developing. Do not forget that molds can affect the air quality of your household.

It is important to shut down the heating source of your unit before carrying out any repairs. Turn off the circuit breaker if you have an electric water heater or the gas supply valve if you have a gas-fired unit. Do not forget to check if the pilot setting is turned off. Avoid putting your life at risk, especially since a water heater can be a dangerous appliance if not handled properly. If you come across problems while inspecting your unit, do not hesitate to call a specialist.

It is important not to let water enter your storage tank while inspecting it. Simply shut down the cold water supply valve by turning it in a clockwise direction. Remember to follow that cold water line leading to the water heater tank. Doing this should have stopped water from leaking temporarily.

Loose pipe fittings can cause water to splash on other areas of your tank. At times like this, you must drain your tank empty to prevent your drywall and carpet from soaking. Attach a hose to the drain valve and place the other end to a floor drain or gutter. Open the valve in a counter-clockwise direction and release water until the tank is empty. Wait for a few minutes to check if your water heater is still leaking. If the leak continues, then your internal tank may have completely corroded. Check other possible areas of leaks by opening the cold water valve.

Perform regular water heater maintenance on a semi-annual basis to remove the sediments and hard water mineral deposits inside the tank. Do not let the sediments sit inside the tank for a long time to avoid contaminating your water. Rust and corrosion can affect the quality of your water, causing to discolor and smell like rotten eggs. This is dangerous since ingesting water filled with bacteria and chemicals can result in major health problems. Take immediate action before it's too late.

It is best to flush and drain your water heater to avoid excessive sediment buildup. Flushing your tank regularly helps remove the accumulated sediments inside. Start by working with an empty tank and place a bucket under the drain valve. Turn on the cold-water supply valve to get rid of the mineral deposits in the tank. Wait until the water runs clear before refilling.

Once you see holes at the bottom of the tank, consider buying a replacement water heater right away. At this point, you can no longer perform repairs since the problem has gotten out of hand. Contact a specialist immediately to help you decide what unit will be best for your household. Patching holes will only increase your electric bill, now that your water heater is consuming more energy than it used to.

If the problem is beyond damage, buying a replacement water heater is your last option. There are lots of modern energy-efficient water heaters out in the market that can help you cut back on your electric bill. When in doubt, ask advice from a specialist to choose the best heating system for your hot water needs.




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