Leaks and How You Can Avoid Them

A hot water tank is one of the integral parts of our home. It makes us so much more comfortable and allows us to enjoy hot showers whenever we like. But, let’s be honest, most of them don’t give them much thought until we start to have problems. 
In this post, we will look at the most common causes of leaks and what you can do to avoid them. 
Drain Valve
A loose drain valve is one of the most common causes of water leaks in your system. The valve can loosen up over time and water will leak out of it if it becomes too loose. 
This is an easy fix, all you need to do is to ensure that the valve is snugly secured but not overtightened. You can do this when you flush your tank out annually. 
Too Much Pressure
This is usually as a result of the thermostat is cranked up too high. What happens is that the excess pressure inside the tank causes the tank to leak. Try reducing the temperature to rectify this problem.
Pressure problems may also occur if the water being piped into the home comes in at a higher pressure than the tank can handle. In this case, speak to a plumber about valves that could prevent this. 
The other thing that could be causing this issue is a temperature relief valve that has lost the will to live. If this is the case, it should be replaced. 
The System is Old and Cranky
As we get older, the years start taking their toll. It happens to the best of us, and to the best of tanks as well. As the system ages, the integrity of the liner starts becoming impaired. If not replaced soon enough, the tank could burst leaving your with a flooded home. 
Condensation
Be careful not to mistake condensation for a leak. This will usually happen when cold water goes into the tank, and the air outside the tank is warm or hot. This is the simplest issue to solve as all you need to do is to wipe the condensation away. 
The Best Tips for Preventing Leaks
Making sure that your tank is properly cared for is the best way to extend its useful lifespan and preventing leaks. Start off by choosing a quality product and have a pro install it. 
Check what the manufacturer’s recommendations are when it comes to the maintenance of the tank. Most will recommend flushing it out at least once a year, or more if you live in a hard water area. A lot of people skip this step, but that is really a mistake you don’t want to make. 
You could also schedule a regular servicing of the system every couple of years or so so that it is checked out by a pro. Regular servicing can help you get a lot more use out of your system and can alert you to problems that arise along the way-- putting off calling for brand new water heater installation until it's absolutely necessary.