What are the common causes of the hot water system leaking?

You may be able to fix the hot water system leaking if you can spot the location and cause of the problem. However, many homeowners are unable to do so as they don’t know where to start. If a leak is not fixed on time, it can lead to expensive replacements. After reading this article, you will be able to identify the cause of the problem.

There can be more than one reason for the hot water system leaking. Any faulty component can lead to this problem. Most of the time, this happens due to a loose component. Sometimes, you need to pay attention to the whole tank. The following are the common causes of hot water system leaking:

Drain valve

You need to empty the tank before maintenance, repair or replacement. This valve allows you to remove water from the tank. The drain valve may become loose and water begins to leak out slowly. Grab a wrench to fix it. The valve is not watertight if the leakage occurs at its base. In this case, you need to replace the drain valve. You can replace the valve on your own or Google the best plumber near me for solar hot water repairs.

Too much pressure

The water inside the tank is extremely hot. Therefore, there is always pressure inside the tank. The steam created in the tank further increases the pressure. Increased pressure makes the hot water leak through loose parts and cracks. Pressure is increased when the temperature is too high.

Faulty T&P Valve

Any issue with the T&P valve or temperature and pressure relief valve can cause leaks in the hot water system. These issues occur due to higher water pressure. Leakage can also occur if there is something wrong with the valve itself. If you are making any repair or replacement, make sure that the pressure in the tank is low. Leakage also occurs when the valve loosens. 

Internal tank

The tank of a hot water system comes with two shells. The tank has water in the inner shell. The external shell uses a layer of insulating material such as polyurethane foam to provide insulation. Both shells are covered by a layer of metal. As the inner shell ages, it begins to deteriorate. However, you cannot see this deterioration. Leakage can be a sign of this problem. The entire system deteriorates with time. So, expect this problem if you have been using the hot water system for years or the system has an old tank. Overuse and development of rust can also cause leaks. If it is at the end of its life, avoid using the hot water system as it may leave your house flooded. 

Sediment collection

In most cases, sediment collection lowers the water quality or clogs the system. However, if this sediment has been in your tank for long periods of time then it can deteriorate the tank. To avoid this problem, clean the tank on a regular basis. 

Outlet and inlet connections

These connections allow the flow of water in/out the tank. Like all other parts and components of the system, these connections also loosen over time. You can fix the problem simply by tightening the connections.

Anode rod

This rod attracts materials that can cause corrosion. As a result, the rod gets corroded, not the water heater itself. However, water leakage may occur when the anode rod is completely corroded.