Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

Your water heater provides hot water for every household need, from bathing and cleaning to cooking and washing clothes and dishes. When you notice your water heater is leaking, you need repairs quickly to reduce personal inconvenience and prevent costly damage.

Common reasons for water heater leaks include:

• Age of water heater
• Loose or broken components
• Water pressure being too high
• A cracked tank

Keep reading to learn more about these causes and how a trusted plumber can help you with water heater repairs or replacement.

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Prevent your water heater from leaking with help from Patrick Riley | Isley's. Contact us today for maintenance, repairs, or water heater installation and take advantage of our flexible scheduling.

Your Water Heater Is Old

Like all appliances, water heaters have a finite service life, with most lasting between 8 and 12 years, depending on the model, water quality, and maintenance frequency. Components inside older water heaters start breaking down due to years of wear and tear, leading to issues like cracks, corrosion, and leaks. Though regular maintenance may extend the lifespan, once water heaters reach a certain age, leaks are usually unavoidable.

Water heater tanks are especially vulnerable to the rigors of time due to rust and sediment settling and accumulating at the base. When you discover your water heater leaking from the bottom, tank problems are typically the reason. A leaking tank signals that your appliance is at the end of its life cycle, requiring water heater replacement rather than repair.

Loose or Broken Components

Over time, fittings and connections within your water heater may loosen due to constant heating and cooling, which causes expansion and contraction. This process naturally leads to leaks, especially around key components like the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve). Designed to release water when tank temperatures or pressure get too high, the T&P valve may cause leaks when incorrectly seated.

A faulty or loose drain valve may also have you wondering what to do if your water heater is leaking from the bottom. This component lets you drain the tank, and damage or improper closure can cause your appliance to leak. Regular maintenance, like checking and tightening connections, can prevent leaks, but broken parts require immediate replacement to ensure proper operation.

The Water Pressure Is Too High

The answer to "Is a leaking water heater dangerous?" is yes; it can be when the water pressure gets too high. When water heaters exceed their operational pressure range—typically 60 to 80 psi—they can experience excessive tank and component stress. This can cause leaks and explosions, potentially damaging property and harming people.

Whether you have a malfunctioning pressure regulator, closed T&P valve, or issues with your municipal water supply, a water heater leaking due to pressure issues requires immediate attention. Prevent this by regularly monitoring your water pressure and calling Patrick Riley | Isley's for regular water heater maintenance or T&P valve installation and repair.

You Have a Cracked Tank

Cracked tanks naturally cause water heater leaking issues and they develop for numerous reasons, including the unit's age, thermal stress, irregular maintenance, and manufacturing defects. Fortunately, our Phoenix pros know what to do if your water heater is leaking from the bottom due to a cracked tank. Unfortunately, we can't repair it, but we do offer flexible financing options for water heater replacement.

The Benefits of Calling a Trusted Plumber

You only need basic DIY skills to fix many minor issues or perform simple maintenance, but water heater leaking problems often indicate more serious problems. Calling a trusted plumber like Patrick Riley | Isley's ensures proper diagnosis and repair, preventing further damage and reducing safety hazards. We have the tools and expertise to address issues quickly.

We also examine your water heater's overall condition and determine the best options for its future replacement. If you need a new one, we help you choose a newer, more energy-efficient model to save money and avoid future leaks. Calling a trusted plumber also provides extra peace of mind in knowing the job is done correctly, safely, and up to code in your area.

Book a Free Estimate With Patrick Riley | Isley’s Today

Get honest, upfront pricing for water heater installation today at Patrick Riley | Isley's. We offer 100% satisfaction guarantees on all our work for added assurance of the quality of our repairs and replacements.