Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?
The most common reason for leaking water heaters is a problem with their pressure relief valve. If it is damaged, broken, corroded, or improperly installed, pressure may build up in the water heater tank, and hot water will start leaking out. Other reasons your water heater leaks may include a damaged tank, loose or faulty connections, and fittings, or an old or damaged anode rod.
Is a Leaking Water Heater Dangerous?
A leaking water heater can cause water damage that affects your property's safety, beauty, and value. Water damage can also lead to mold and mildew growth, which can harm your health. Severe water damage and flooding can lead to electrical problems. In very rare cases, a leaking water heater may occur due to a dangerous pressure buildup in the tank. If this occurs, the pressure can build up until the tank explodes. This is a very rare occurrence.
How do I Stop a Water Heater From Leaking?
If your water heater is leaking, you should first turn off the valve on the cold water line that runs into the water heater. You should also turn off the gas valve to the water heater tank. You can then attach a garden hose to the drain valve to siphon water out of the tank so that it won’t continue to leak out. Then, you can call our 24/7 live answering service to make an appointment for emergency plumbing repairs or a water heater replacement.
How Long Does It Take for Hot Water to Heat Up?
In general, it may take an electric storage tank water heater 60-80 minutes to heat all the water in the tank from groundwater temperature. A propane or natural gas storage tank water heater may take 30-40 minutes. An electric, natural gas or propane tankless water heater will instantly heat the water. The amount of time it takes for your water heater to provide hot water depends on several factors:
- The energy source for the water heater (electricity, natural gas, or propane).
- The size of the water heater.
- The location of the water heater relative to the faucet you’re using.
- It's a first-hour rating.
- The temperature rise is the difference between the temperature of the groundwater and your desired water temperature.
Why Is My Water Heater Making Noise?
All storage tank water heaters make some noise as they heat the water in the tank. They may also make noise as you use hot water, and the water heater replaces and heats more water. If your water heater starts making excessive noise, strange new noises, or alarming noises, you should call our team for an inspection. Common water heater noises and their causes are:
Popping
A popping noise is usually caused by sediment buildup, which is normal, especially if you have hard water.
Whistling
A whistling or high-pitched noise is caused by pressurized water being forced through a small opening. This might happen if a valve isn’t fully opened or needs to be replaced.
Banging
This noise occurs when water stops or changes direction while under pressure. This can lead to a burst pipe if it isn’t remedied.
Hissing
Typically, only electric water heaters make hissing noises. It can occur if the heating elements are covered with sediment.
Humming or Vibrating
A loose heating element could cause a humming noise. A vibrating or rumbling noise could be due to sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank.
Water Running
All storage tank water heaters make a noise like running water as water enters the tank. If the noise is continuous, the tank may have a leak or a pipe may be broken.
How Much is It to Replace a Water Heater?
The cost of replacement or installation of water heater varies based on region, make and manufacturer of water heater, labor costs, and the type of water heater installed. It might cost between $800-1,800 to replace a water heater.
If you have questions that aren’t answered here or want to make an appointment, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Tupelo and Oxford today. You can also request an estimate for the cost of water heater repair or water heater replacement.