When a water heater is properly maintained, it can last an average of 10 to 13 years. Regular maintenance of your water heater also reduces the risk of your water heater failing, which can lead to costly repairs.
If you’re a first-time homeowner, and don’t have experience with taking care of water heaters, it’s understandable that seeing a leak can make you immediately fear that there is something seriously wrong with your water heater.
Don’t worry. We’ll show you what you can do to protect your water heater, your North Carolina home and just how big of an issue is at-hand.
If you see water on your water heater, or on the floor around your water heater, it may not be a leak.
What could it be? One possible cause is condensation, which happens when humid air comes into contact with a cooler surface like the exterior of a water heater tank, pipes or other appliance near the water heater. That condensation can drip down onto the floor, creating the appearance of a leak.
There also may be a leak, but your water heater may not be the source of it. Plumbing lines near the water heater, such as the water softener or furnace drain lines, may be have a leak. Check along lines to see if a noticeable drip, or accumulation of liquid is present in a distinct spot.
If you aren’t experienced at or comfortable with the work involved in dealing with a water heater leak, call a propane appliance professional.
Put safety first while tackling a water heater leak. Turn the power supply to your propane water heater OFF, then turn off the incoming water supply by shutting off the intake valve, which is usually located above the water heater itself.
The most obvious location of the leak is the water heater tank. If the leak is coming from the bottom, it is a strong possibility that a new water heater is needed, as this is a warning sing for a tank failure and erosion.
Another possible leak source is the outlet pipe connectors that bring water into the heater and take it out of it. That may be an easy fix of tightening the connection. Some further possible leak sources are the temperature and pressure release valve, the heating element and the drain valve.
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When you’re ready to upgrade your propane water heater, LG Jordan offers a great selection! Come visit our Apex showroom and get started, today.
