You may ask yourself, "Is a water heater
leaking dangerous?" In this article, we'll answer that very question, exploring
the causes of leaks, the risks associated with them, and what you should do
about a leaking system.
While a water heater leaking is a common
household problem to have, it can lead to bad outcomes that pose a risk to your
health, safety, and the indoor environment if not dealt with properly.
Causes of Leaks
How could this occur? Why is this
happening to me? Realize that leaks occur more frequently than you may think,
and there are some common causes and sources for a water heater leaking.
More specifically, the reasons behind leaking or pooling water may include:
●
A loose or faulty
plumbing connection.
●
A leaking heating
element gasket.
●
A leak or rupture
in the water heater tank.
So, your next question may be, "Can I just duct tape this problem for a while
with a repair, or should I get a new water heater installation?"
Well, it depends. If your problem is
minor and the affected area is also modular, then it may make sense for a
licensed plumber to make a water
heater repair. A faulty
connection in the plumbing or a heating element gasket are among these
problems.
However, if there is a leak in the water
heater tank itself, then it is time to get a new water heater.
Dangers of Leaks
So how serious is this really? You may
wonder, "Can I just wait until next month or when the tax return comes in?"
With a water heater leaking, this is not a time to wait.
In fact, you should act immediately. Let's walk through the threat escalation. First, there are financial consequences. A water heater that is improperly heating may lead to increased energy costs because it is no longer functioning in the efficient way it was designed to. On top of that, water damage can be costly to repair. And that is before the mold sets it.
Mold damage to structures can result in whole floors needing to be gutted and
remodeled, and mold can also cause serious health problems. Trust us, when we
say it's not something to play casual about.
Leaks are one thing, but how about more sudden
types of failure that are considered emergency
plumbing?
An improperly functioning water heater can rupture and cause serious flooding in your home or business and would necessitate
an emergency
plumber immediately. In
addition to the above concerns associated with leaking being amplified, if the
water is still heated, then scalding could happen and cause injury to pets or
loved ones. In a business setting, this could also create lawsuits and
liability concerns.
Lastly, water heaters are wonderful
devices that make our lives so much easier, but if neglected they can explode. When maintained properly, these serious concerns can be averted, but
when they arise it is time to call a professional.
Act Before It's a Problem
"Okay, so I need to call local plumbers near me to take care of this. What else do I need to
know about plumbers near me?"
Well, if you have an older water heater,
it may be time to upgrade your appliance to a newer model. It will use less
energy and save you money.
Also, make sure to call a licensed
plumber and not just your neighbor who worked at an appliance store for six
months. Once your water heater crisis is solved, it is also worth remembering
to schedule preventative maintenance and safety checks. A monthly maintenance membership plan may be of interest to you to prevent similar
problems from occurring again.
With the rest of spring and summer just
around the corner, maintaining your water heater will keep you and your family
comfortable. After all, while some people swear by cold showers, the rest of us
like it hot.
Call Estes Services for Your Water Heater Needs
Water heaters keep our lives comfortable
and are a luxury of modern home living. There is no hot water for cooking, bathing, cleaning, and other tasks without them.
Estes Services can take care of any water heater repair or replacement need that you may have. As soon as you
discover that your water heater is leaking, you should contact one of our Atlanta licensed plumbers, so that we can fix your problem quickly.
Schedule your service today to prevent
any further problems with your water heater leaking.
