Water Heater Leak: The 3 Most Common Causes

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to restore any size water damage disaster!

A water heater leak can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home and cause extensive water damage.

Water heaters are essential to any home; they provide hot water for baths, showers, dishwashing, and laundry. But like all appliances, water heaters can break down, and when they do, they can cause water damage to your home.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Barrow County have recently seen an influx of water heater leaks and water damage claims. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the three most common causes of water heater leaks so that you can be informed and know where to check for leaks.

What is a water heater leak?

A water heater leak is a water leak that originates from the water heater. Water heaters have various valves and pipes that can develop leaks over time. When one of these components fails, water can start to leak from the water heater, often causing extensive water damage to the surrounding area.

The three most common causes of water heater leaks

1) Faulty pressure relief valve

A faulty pressure relief valve is one of the most common causes of water heater leaks. The pressure relief valve is a safety device designed to release water and pressure from the tank if it gets too high. Over time, the valve can become corroded or damaged, causing it to constantly stick in the open position and release water. If you notice water leaking from the side of your water heater, the pressure relief valve likely is to blame.

2) Corroded water tank

Another common cause of water heater leaks is a corroded water tank. Over time, the water in the tank can become corrosive and eat away at the tank itself, causing it to develop leaks. Corrosion is more common in older water heaters but can happen to any water heater if the water is not maintained correctly. If you notice water leaking from the bottom of your water heater, it is likely that the tank is corroded and needs replacing.

3) Leaky pipes

The third most common cause of water heater leaks is leaky pipes. Water heaters consist of various pipes that can develop leaks over time. The most common type of leaky pipe is the drain line, which connects the water heater to the sewer line. If this pipe becomes corroded or damaged, water can leak from the water heater. Therefore, if you notice water leaking from the water heater, it is likely that one of the pipes is to blame.

What to do if you find water leaking from your water heater?

If you find water leaking from your water heater, it is essential to take action immediately to prevent further water damage. The first thing you should do is turn off the water supply to the water heater. You can turn off the water supply by turning the water valves off at the water heater or the main water supply line. Once the water is off, you should call a professional water damage restoration company to come and assess the situation. The right team of professionals will work quickly to repair the water damage and get your home back to normal.

How the professionals at SERVPRO of Barrow County can help restore your water heater leak

If you have water damage due to a water heater leak, the professionals at SERVPRO of Barrow County can help. We have extensive experience repairing water damage and will work quickly to get your home back to normal.

We will first assess the situation and determine the cause of the water leak. Once we know what is causing the leak, we will work quickly to repair the damage and prevent further water damage. We will then work to restore your property to its original condition.

If you have a water heater leak, don't hesitate to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Barrow County. We are here to help, and our IICRC-certified professionals will work quickly to get your home back to normal.

Wrapping up

We hope that you found this blog post on water heater leaks helpful. As you can see, water heater leaks can cause extensive water damage to your home, so it is essential to take action immediately if you notice water leaking from your water heater. The best actionable step is to call SERVPRO.

SERVPRO of Barrow County are experts in repairing water damage and will work quickly to get your home back to normal. When you choose to hire us, we will:

• Assess the situation and determine the cause of the water leak
• Work quickly to repair the damage and prevent further water damage
• Restore your property to its original condition.

Please contact us today if you have any questions or require emergency water damage restoration services. Our water damage restoration services are available 24/7, 365 days a year!