When To Call For A Water Heater Repair If You Suspect a Leak

Cold weather is on its way to East Texas and the last thing you want to have to worry about is a water heater repair.  Unfortunately, there are a number of things that can go wrong with a water heater that will require a repair or a replacement of the whole unit.  If you don’t seem to have as much hot water as you need or there’s water on the floor around your water heater, you may have a leak, which is one of the more common water heater problems.  Here are some of the reasons your water heater may be leaking and how to know if they mean you’ll need a water heater repair:

Condensation
If your water heater is new, it may leak for a few days after installation.  Often a new water heater sits in a warehouse for a length of time before making its way to your home.  During that time, humidity can accumulate inside the insulated lining of the tank and once the unit is connected, heated and filled with water, this humidity is released – resulting in a small puddle on your garage floor.  However, water on the floor after the first couple of days could be a sign of a problem that your installer should be notified about.

Leaking Plumbing Connections
Take a look at the plumbing connections on the top and bottom of the tank.  Use a dry rag or paper towel to wrap around connection points to see if water is seeping out.  If you find that it is and you feel brave enough to retighten or replace connectors, make sure you unplug the unit first and turn off the water inlet.  For most people, this kind of repair can be daunting and it can also void a warranty so proceed with caution.  Always make sure you have a plumber you trust on call in case you can’t fix the problem yourself.

Leaking Pressure-Relief Valve
The pressure-relief valve, or T&P valve, is a safety feature on all water tanks that allows for the release of water when the pressure gets too high inside the tank.  The T&P is almost always clearly marked on the unit, either with a stamp on the metal body of the tank reading, “T&P Valve,” or with a warning tag or both.  It’s also designed with a pipe that directs water away from the heater.  If the T&P valve is leaking, it should be easy to spot as often the pressurized water escaping creates a spray as it leaves the unit.  This is not a DIY repair.  You should call in a professional plumber to replace a leaking T&P valve and to find out why it leaked in the first place.

Ruptured Water Tank
If the T&P valve, the connections or the lining of a new heater aren’t causing leaks, then it’s probable that the tank itself is ruptured either from age, rust or poor manufacturing.  There really is no repair for a leaking water tank – it has to be replaced.  Call your plumber and make an appointment for an evaluation of the problem.

If your water heater is leaking, don’t wait until you’re taking cold showers in subzero weather to get help.  For a water heater repair in Longview, TX, call us at Bird Dog Plumbing at (903) 225-2272 or visit us online at www.birddogplumbingllc.com to fill out an online contact form.

Water Heater Repair Longview TX
Bird Dog Plumbing LLC
2206 Balsam St
Longview, Texas 75605
903-225-2272