Should I Replace My Leaking Hot Water Heater?

Hot water heaters can leak for many different reasons. If your tank is old and losing water, there is a good chance you need a new one. For recently installed systems, repairs are usually able to fix the leak.

What Causes a Hot Water Heater to Leak?

Common reasons behind a leaking water heater include excessive pressure inside the tank, loose drain valves and old age. If the set temperature on the tank is too high, it may cause excessive pressure within. Alternatively, your exterior water supply may be too high in pressure.

Sometimes, a broken pressure-relief valve is the cause behind excessive pressure inside the tank. A loose drain valve is something you can fix by tightening it with a wrench. Don’t overtighten the drain valve. It should only be tightened until snug.

Average Lifespan of Hot Water Heaters

Hot water heaters typically last eight to 12 years. Some people want to wait until an old hot water heater breaks down completely before replacing it. However, this puts their homes at risk of water damage, which will cause extra expenses in remediation. Old water heaters often flood the home when they finally die.

Is your hot water heater close to the end of its lifecycle? If it’s leaking due to old age, you’ll need a new one. Littleton Heating and Air Conditioning in Littleton provides installation of high-quality water heaters.

Signs Your Hot Water Heater Needs to Be Replaced

Rust and corrosion, lukewarm or cold water, and inability to be drained are common signs your hot water heater needs to be replaced. When the appliance begins to rust badly, repairs aren’t possible. The tank will continue to corrode until leaks begin occurring.

You can check for signs of rusting around the pressure relief valve and the water inlet/outlet connections. Sometimes you may notice rust in the water when you use it in your home.

A hot water heater needs to be drained once a year to flush out sediment buildup. Eventually, it can no longer be drained, which means you’ll need a replacement tank.

A Trustworthy Company for Hot Water Heater Replacement

company_name] has the necessary skills to safely install a new hot water heater in your Littleton home. We also offer duct cleaning as well as indoor air quality, heating, and cooling services. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and NATE certification. Contact us today to learn more.

Meet the Author
Darek Buczysnki
Darek Buczysnki

Darek Buczysnki is the proud owner of Littleton Heating & Air Conditioning and has over 35 years of experience in the HVAC industry.