Why Does Your Water Heater Leak? Understanding the Causes and Finding Solutions

Having a water heater also requires regular maintenance. Problems can occur, such as water heater leaks.

If your water heater leaks, this is certainly a serious problem that must be fixed immediately. The first step is to identify the cause so that you can find a solution quickly and prevent the problem from recurring.

This article will explain more about the causes of water heater leaks and how to fix them, based on reports from several sources.

The Causes of Water Heater Leak

Here are some of the causes of water heater leaks that often occur:

Corrosion in the tank

Over time, hot water continuously filling the tank will cause rust or corrosion. Therefore, it is important to know how to maintain your water heater so that you know that the anode rod needs to be checked regularly to ensure that it is still in good condition.

If the anode rod is worn or damaged, replace it immediately to prevent corrosion that can damage the inside of the tank. An anode rod that is not replaced promptly will cause the rust to worsen and eventually lead to leaks.

Loose pipe connections

Water heater leaks do not only come from the tank, but can also come from the pipe connections where hot water enters or exits. Pipe connections that are loose, not installed correctly, or not tight will leak little by little. This can eventually cause water leaks in the inlet and outlet areas. 

Water pressure is too high

Excessive water pressure puts excessive pressure on the tank and fittings. This can be caused by a damaged or malfunctioning pressure valve. Over time, this pressure can cause joints or even tanks to crack, leading to the risk of component leaks. 

Damaged seals or gaskets

Seals or gaskets are components that maintain water pressure and prevent it from escaping from the tank or connections. Rubber seals or gaskets can harden over time, preventing them from holding water tightly. This loss of functionality allows water to seep or flow rapidly.

Age of use

Like other household electronic appliances, water heaters have a lifespan. If they are more than 8-10 years old, they will be more susceptible to corrosion and internal damage. This can increase the risk of leakage.

The Solution of Water Heater Leak

Here are some of the solutions for water heater leaks that you can do:

• Turn off electricity or gas: For electric types, immediately unplug the cord or turn off the MCB. For gas types, turn off the gas flow to prevent the risk of fire.
• Stop the water flow: Turn off the water supply tap to the water heater so that the leak does not get bigger.
• Check the source of the leak: Look carefully to see where the water is coming from. This is important to determine whether you can handle it yourself or need a technician.
• Repair small leaks: Loose pipe connections can be fixed by tightening them or replacing the seal. For gasket damage, replace it with a new one.
• Use sealant or pipe tape: Small leaks in joints can be temporarily sealed with heat-resistant sealant or special pipe tape. 
• Contact a technician for major damage: If the tank is leaking due to rust or cracks, it usually needs to be replaced. In this case, contact an experienced technician immediately.

Those are the causes and the solutions of the water heater leaks that you need to know. You can take steps to maintain the water heater, such as cleaning the tank regularly, checking the condition of the anode rod, checking the electrical or gas installation, and checking the Pressure Relief Valve, to avoid overfilling in order to avoid leaks.