Why Is My Hot Water Tank Leaking? Common Causes Explained

The sound of water dripping from your hot water tank can be one of the most unnerving sounds in the world. Not only is it annoying, but it can also cause serious damage to your home if it isn’t fixed quickly.

This blog post will provide an overview of why hot water tanks leak, and what you can do to fix the problem.

Why Is My Hot Water Tank Leaking? | Miller Plumbing & Drainage Ltd.

4 Common Causes of A Leaking Hot Water Tank

When your hot water tank begins to leak, there may be several different reasons why. The most common causes include a broken or damaged valve, rusting or corroding pipes, a cracked heat exchanger, and sediment buildup. Let’s break down each of these causes in further detail.

Broken or Damaged Valves

The valves on your hot water tank control how much pressure is released from the tank. When these valves become faulty or worn out due to age, they can start leaking and cause major problems for your home and its plumbing system.

Rusting or Corroding Pipes

As with any metal piping system, rusting and corrosion can occur over time due to exposure to moisture or other elements like oxygen and chlorine. If the pipes leading into and out of your hot water tank become corroded, they could begin to leak and cause major damage if not addressed quickly.

Cracked Heat Exchanger

A cracked heat exchanger is another common issue that can lead to a leaking hot water tank. Heat exchangers are responsible for efficiently transferring heat from one source (e.g., gas) into another (e.g., water). Over time these components can begin to corrode or crack due to age or wear-and-tear which can lead them to leak when exposed to high pressures inside the tank itself.

Sediment Buildup

Sediment buildup is one of the more common causes of leaks in older models of hot water tanks since sediment accumulates over time on both interior surfaces as well as within pipes leading into/out from the tank itself which reduces flow rates and increases pressure within tanks leading them eventually give way under strain and start leaking! To fix this issue all accumulated sediment needs cleaning out either manually or automatically via special equipment depending on severity.

Do You Need a Plumber To Fix Your Hot Water Tank Leaking Issue?

No matter what type of problem is causing your hot water tank leakage issue, you must address it quickly before any further damage occurs. Whether it’s caused by corrosion or rusting pipes, broken or damaged valves, cracked heat exchangers, or even sediment buildup – all require specialized attention so make sure you reach out for professional help right away before things get worse.

Above all else remember that prevention is always better than cure so ensure regular maintenance checks are done regularly on all aspects of your plumbing system, including hot water tanks.

At Miller Plumbing & Drainage Ltd., we understand how important it is to have a properly functioning hot water tank. A leaking hot water tank can cause extensive damage to your home, resulting in costly repairs and potentially hazardous health issues. That’s why it’s essential to identify and repair any potential issues with your hot water tank as soon as possible. Our experienced technicians are experienced in Hot Water Tank Repairs & Installations and can quickly diagnose any issues you might have, so you can get back to enjoying the comfort of your home. Contact us today for a free quote!