Keeping Your Plumbing Flowing Smoothly

If you deal with plumbing clogs on a regular basis, you might find yourself struggling with bent wire hangers, chemical drain cleaner, and unfamiliar pipes. Unfortunately, unless you are a trained professional, all of your efforts might be in vain. Most people don't realize it, but it is possible to damage your plumbing by making a few missteps. If you use the wrong chemicals or you push a little too hard, you might end up dealing with damaged pipes or your clogging problem could get worse. Fortunately, you might be able to use this blog to help you to keep your plumbing flowing smoothly.

Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore The Leak In Your Water Heater

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Water heaters operate optimally with proper maintenance. However, they may malfunction when neglected or poorly maintained. If you notice wet spots indicating a leak in or around the heater, it's crucial to locate and fix the problem. Failure to do so can lead to inconveniences and costly repairs. Here are four potential problems that should prompt you to call for repairs.

Risk of Explosion

Water heaters have a temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve that regulates pressure in the water tank. When the pressure is too high, the valve opens to relieve thermal expansion and lower the pressure. However, sometimes the internal pressure is too high for the T&P valve to handle. This causes the valve to leak. 

This malfunction prevents the valve from regulating pressure in the water heater. If you set the temperatures too high, the pressure buildup can cause the heater to explode. You can easily avert this problem by replacing the T&P valve once you notice a leak. Conversely, ignoring minor leaks can cost you the water heater.

Low-Quality Hot Water

A common cause of water heater leaks is worn or rusty water pipes. The supply lines connecting the heater to your home's plumbing may wear or rust due to age. This causes the pipes to leak and potentially exposes the water to rust and other contaminants. As a result, the quality of hot water supplied by the heater deteriorates.

You may notice a metallic smell or brownish sediment in your water. Note that these signs could also signal a rusted heating element. Troubleshoot the piping and heating element to locate and repair the source of the problem.

Increased Energy Consumption

Leaks on your water heater tank could cause an increase in energy consumption. The water heater itself may leak because of old age and corrosion. Leaks resulting from a faulty heater are more noticeable, as they tend to cause minor flooding around the heater. When this happens, the heating element continuously heats water to meet the demand in your home. Unfortunately, if the tank has a leak, you may have to replace the water heater.

Water Damage

Water heater leaks can cause water damage to the structure around the installation area. This could be your walls, flooring, or nearby appliances. If the leak goes undetected for a long period, it can damage flooring, ruin wall paint, and creates a breeding ground for mold. The moisture can also speed up rust formation in the heater's external enclosure. If left unrepaired, these moisture issues can lead to costly repairs.

A leaking water heater requires immediate attention to avoid the above problems. Contact a plumber for water heater repair!

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18 March 2021