How A Plumber Can Fix A Problem With A Water Heater That's Leaking From The Bottom
Posted on: 6 July 2022
If you keep seeing water dripping on the floor under your water heater or if there is a constant puddle around it, call a plumber to find out where the water is coming from. If water is leaking from your tank, your water and heating bill could escalate if you don't get quick repairs. In addition, your floor might have water damage depending on where your water heater is located. Here's what a plumber may need to do for a leaking water heater.
Find The Leak
If you don't see water dripping from the top of the tank or rolling down the side of the water heater, the leak is coming from the bottom of the tank. There are two possible causes for the plumber to consider. One is the drain valve that's used to empty the tank, and the other is a leak in the tank itself.
The plumber can feel around the valve to figure out if the valve is leaking and needs to be replaced. They might feel along the bottom of the tank for areas where rust has eaten through the tank and caused a water leak. A leaky valve can be replaced, but a rusty and leaky water heater can't be saved.
Put In A New Drain Valve
If the problem is with the drain valve, the plumber will replace it. The first step in putting in a new drain valve is to hook a garden hose up to the valve so the valve can be opened to drain out the water. When the tank is empty, the plumber can unscrew the valve and put a new valve in its place. Then the tank can be filled with water, connected to the power supply, and be put back in operation.
Replace The Water Heater
If your old tank is rusted, the plumbing contractor can replace it with a similar model so the new heater fits in the same space and operates in a manner you're familiar with. However, you'll also have the opportunity to switch to a tankless heater if you'd like to.
This may involve installing new water and gas lines if you move the heater to a new location, but the plumber might install the tankless heater where your old heater is located. The old tank has to be drained of water first and then disconnected from the plumbing and gas lines.
The plumber will probably take away the old tank so you don't have to worry about getting rid of it. A benefit of getting a new water heater is that it will probably be more efficient and less expensive to operate. If you opt for a tank model, the plumber may put a pan under it to collect water from any future leak that might happen so your floor is spared.
Contact a company like Countryside to learn more.
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