Why Do Water Heaters Leak?
Have you noticed that your water heater is leaking? At first, you may not think it’s a big deal, but if left ignored, it can escalate into a major problem. Even a minor leak can damage the walls, floors, and subfloors.
While a small leak may go virtually unnoticed, don’t forget that it can be a sign of a much bigger problem. In the worst-case scenario, your water heater could completely fail on you, leading to a flood that causes significant damage to your personal property, furnishings, and your home.
Aside from costly repairs and property damage, a leaking water heater can also affect your respiratory health. As water continues to leak in a dark or damp environment, it can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew, both of which can trigger allergic reactions in some people, especially small children, asthmatics, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
Please understand that you can’t ignore a water heater leak and hope it will go away with time; it doesn’t work that way. Instead of improving as time passes, water heater leaks only get worse. So, if you noticed water on your floor under the unit, it’s better to take care of it sooner than later.
Inspect the Water Heater
Even though there is water under the water heater, that does not necessarily mean the water heater is the source of the leak. If you see a small amount of water under the unit, wipe it up and look around for the source.
Look at the water heater closely to see if you can find the source of the leak. If you cannot locate the source of the leak, look around the area for other possible sources. Remember, water follows the laws of gravity, so look directly overhead at any water pipes.
If you still cannot identify the source, lay down some dry paper towels and check back regularly to see if the water reappears. If the water does not reappear after a day or two, it’s probably nothing to be worried about.
However, if the water does come back and you cannot identify the source, you should contact Excalibur Plumbing to arrange a service call from one of our professional plumbers.
Looking for a plumber in Williamson County, TX? Contact us today at 512-259-7222 to work with “True Texas Plumbers.”