Are Water Heaters Supposed to Drip?
Water heaters are responsible for heating the water in your home, everything from showers to laundry. They heat water to a specific temperature and maintain that, so hot water is ready when you need it. Unfortunately, water heaters also sometimes drip. So you may wonder, "Are water heaters supposed to drip?" In this article, our Atlanta plumbers answer that very question based on our Estes Services experience of serving the greater Atlanta area for over 75 years.
Are Water Heaters Supposed to Drip?
A little moisture here and there isn't unusual. In many cases, it's simply condensation created when cold water enters the tank, making the outside of the tank cooler than the air surrounding it, or, in the case of gas water heaters, when flue gas temperature drops below the dew point as a result of cold air intrusion or oversized flues. Condensation will usually clear up on its own. Still, it's a good idea to improve ventilation around your water heater or insulate your water heater and pipes to minimize condensation in the future.
While condensation is generally harmless and temporary, consistent dripping, pooling water, or large leaks are not normal. These could be signs of something more serious, such as a faulty valve, excessive pressure inside the tank, or even a deteriorating component that needs repairs or replacement.
Why Is My Water Heater Dripping?
There are several common reasons why a water heater drips; some are more serious than others.
The temperature and pressure relief valve is located at the top of the water heater and will open and release steam or water if the temperature or pressure inside the tank climbs too high. As a result, small drips may occasionally occur.
However, if your water heater is regularly dripping or leaking significantly, your temperature and pressure relief valve may be loose and require tightening. It's also possible the valve is stuck in the open position or broken and needs replacement.
The drain valve near the bottom of the tank was designed to open, allowing you to flush out any sediment trapped in the water heater or empty the tank for maintenance. These valves may naturally drip a little, but loose or failing drain valves can cause more serious dripping and even leaks.
Sometimes, simply tightening the drain valve with a wrench will be enough to stop any drips. However, if the valve is loose at its base or the tank continues leaking after tightening the drain valve, having your drain valve replaced by a licensed plumber is the best course of action.
Similarly, poor hot and cold inlet and outlet connections may loosen over time. Cold water enters the tank through the inlet connection, while hot water exits the tank through the outlet connection. Tightening the inlet and outlet connections may resolve drippage, but worn-out fittings or seals should also be checked and/or replaced if water continues to collect near the inlet and outlet connections.
Furthermore, the tank itself may also be to blame. Older tanks may corrode and rust over time, impacting the structural integrity and leading to small cracks and leaks. While patching cracks may serve as temporary relief, considering water heater replacement may be the best option in the long run. Otherwise, you may soon find yourself with more problems such as major leakage and even flooding.
What Are the Warning Signs of Water Heater Drips?
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to detect drips. Small leaks can go unnoticed for weeks, especially if you are not having regular preventive maintenance on your water heater with a Maintenance Membership. (Tip: puddles of water will most often form directly beneath your water heater.)
In addition to a visual check, there are a few common signs that your water heater is dripping or on the brink of leaking. Notably, you may notice that your water is not as hot as it normally is. Instead of getting piping hot water from your taps, you might receive lukewarm water.
You may also notice signs of rust in your water. Not only may some of your clothes come out of the washing machine with rust marks, but water from your taps may taste or smell off. Pour some water into a clear glass to check for signs of rust. If you have rusty water, that's a sign that there is rust accumulating in your water heater, which could lead to corrosion, drips, and leaks. You can also look at your water heater. If you notice any rust on the outside of your tank, you likely have a leak or will develop one very soon.
Having a water heater that makes rumbling, popping, hissing, creaking, or banging noises isn't just annoying. It's also a sign of sediment buildup inside the tank, which could place unnecessary strain on your water heater and lead to drips and leaks. After all, sediment that has piled up and hardened within your water tank forms an insulating layer, forcing the heating element to work even harder to warm the water. This places more pressure on your tank and puts extra wear and tear on the temperature and pressure relief valve, increasing your likelihood of drips and shortening the lifespan of your water heater.
If your water heater is approaching ten years old or more, you will want to be extra wary. After all, just like cars, refrigerators, and air conditioners, water heaters deteriorate with age and use. So, keep an eye out for any potential issues or drips. If you notice any problems, replacing your water heater might be more cost-effective than trying to fix the leak.
How Can I Fix My Water Heater?
When it involves your water heater, leave it to licensed professional plumbers. Water heaters require specialized training, tools, and experience to diagnose and fix properly.
While a do-it-yourself (DIY) repair may seem tempting, water heaters are complex and working on them can pose several risks and safety hazards including electrical shocks, gas leaks, and scalding hot water. So, if you are wondering how you can fix your water heater, the best answer is do not attempt to fix it yourself.
If you are experiencing problems with your water heater, it is crucial that you schedule service with a licensed and trained plumber today. At Estes Services, we offer top-quality plumbing services for servicing, maintaining, and repairing water heaters. Our plumbing experts bring several advantages to water heater repairs:
Safety Expertise: Water heaters involve water and electricity or gas, which creates potential health and safety hazards. Our licensed plumbers are expertly trained to handle your water heater.
Proper Diagnosis: It is important to properly identify the cause of your water heater issues. Misdiagnosis can cause you to waste more time, money, and resources—not to mention, it can exacerbate and enlarge the problem.
Warranty Protection: DIY or untrained personnel can void manufacturer warranties
With over 75 years of experience serving the greater Atlanta area, our licensed plumbers can properly diagnose your water heater issues and ensure your home's hot water system operates safely and efficiently.
