A Water Heater Leak Could Compromise Your Health and Damage your Property

Posted: Oct 02, 2012
Author: Ace Hardware Home Services

With regular cleaning and maintenance, water heaters generally work well under most circumstances, but as with any appliance, problems do occur. One common problem is a water heater leak – either due to a loose valve, a corroded tank, or even condensation during very cold temperatures.

There are several dangers associated with a water heater leak:

• Possible Explosion: If the leak is a result of a buildup of water, the T&PR (temperature and pressure relief) valve should control it because it’s designed to release excess pressure that builds up in the water heater. But, if you have set the temperature too high, or the water pressure is too high and the T&PR valve is faulty, the pressure buildup could cause the tank to explode.

• Bad Water: If the water heater leak is caused by a rusty pipe, this can affect the quality of your water supply. When water is exposed to rust, it absorbs the rust and bacteria. Hence, the hot water being distributed throughout your home could contain potentially harmful organisms and chemicals.

• Property Damage: One of the biggest threats of a water heater leak is extensive damage to the surrounding walls and floors. Water can seep into your home’s foundation and ultimately weaken it, plus it can cause mold and other problems.

If you notice a leak anywhere in the vicinity of your water heater, clean up the area as best as possible and call a plumber. In addition to finding the cause and fixing it, the plumber will also check for signs of mildew or mold.