Dealing with any leaky water heater can be a major headache. If you happen to be dealing with a tankless unit, it’s even more of a hassle. Trying to find the source of the leak in a unit that shouldn’t be holding any water in the first place could have you pulling out your hair in no time.
While you should leave more serious repairs to your local plumber in Cedar Hill, TX, you can tackle some minor fixes yourself. Read on to learn more about leaky tankless water heaters and how you can stop that annoying drip.
Whatever plumbing issues you’re dealing with, Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at 469-557-2703 today.
What Causes Tankless Water Heaters to Leak?
Tankless water heaters are fastly becoming the unit of choice for new construction and revamped plumbing systems. Tankless units are more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters having 24%-34% higher efficiency savings for homes that use less than 41 gallons of hot water daily.
While modern tankless water heaters cut energy costs, they aren’t without their issues. You might not have the kind of nightmare leaks that happen to follow a ruptured tank in older systems, but you should still become aware of what to do when you see a leak.
Before you start breaking out the tools, you’ll need to find the leak. Here are some common trouble areas for leaks in tankless water heater units.
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
Pressure is an essential part of proper unit operation. Left on its own, pressure can build to the point where the only relief is through a catastrophic failure. This could be as menial as a unit not working to a full-blown explosion with fiery consequences.
The temperature and pressure relief valve (PRV) allows for the safe discharge of excess pressure and heat before it causes damage. Once you locate the PRV, check for any visible moisture.
A wet valve usually indicates that the component is doing its job relieving excess pressure and temperature. If you find a dry valve and pressure building, it’s time to call your local Cedar Hill plumbing expert for an emergency visit.
Additionally, your temperature and PRV could have some corrosion and build-up. When this occurs, it might cause the valve to stay stuck in the open position. Consequently, it will result in a slow leak coming from the PRV.
Body of the Unit
Another area you should always inspect when searching for a leak is the body of the water heater. If you still can’t find the source after inspecting the PRV, then it might be the case that water is dripping from the main body.
Often, sediment or rust build-up can cause a leak. Unfortunately, this is not an easy fix. In most situations, you will need to replace the unit.
Getting in contact with a reputable Cedar Hill plumbing service, like the team at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, is the best way to get a full picture of what’s causing your problems.
Leaks coming from the main body can lead to bigger issues and even electrical damage, so contact your local plumber in Cedar Hill, TX, before the issue progresses.
Water Intake and Output Lines
One of the most common sources of leaks in a tankless water heater is faulty water intake and output lines. While this is likely your issue, you should still start with the other two locations.
Checking the other areas first will ensure you aren’t dealing with a more serious issue that could lead to damage to your home and even yourself.
Locate your intake and output lines on your unit. Check the fittings for any visible signs of a leak. Make sure you thoroughly inspect this area as, chances are, it’s the cause of your problems. This is especially true if a professional didn’t perform the installation — another reason you should always find a quality plumber in Cedar Hill, TX.
How to Stop Tankless Water Heater Leaks
Now that we know where the leak is coming from, how do you fix it? Let’s take a look at the easiest fix first: the intake and output lines.
Fixing Leaky Intake and Output Lines
Fixing your output and intake lines is relatively easy and inexpensive. While you might want to enlist the help of your local Cedar Hill plumbing services, you can perform a reliable job so long as you take your time and focus on doing the task correctly.
First, shut off the intake line at the shut-off valve. You may even want to shut off the water supply at the main shut-off valve for even more protection.
Next, unscrew the output and intake lines. You’ll want to re-fit them, paying close attention to ensure you’ve got a solid and water-tight seal.
Once you have everything back on, turn on the water supply. Examine the fitting and double-check to make sure no more water is leaking. If the leak persists, it’s probably time to replace the lines completely.
Dealing with the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
If you’ve already found your temperature and PRV is leaking, how do you remedy this issue? Before we proceed, you need to practice plumbing safety. A mistake here could mean lifelong burns or more serious consequences.
When in doubt, call the pros. You don’t want to gamble with your health and safety.
Okay, now that we’ve got the doom and gloom out of the way, let’s talk remedying your leaky water heater. If you find that your PRV is slowly leaking water, it could mean the valve will need replacing. Over time, minerals and metals in your water can cause build-up on the components.
Often, the corrosion build-up keeps the PRV from fully closing. The opening allows for a steady stream of water to come dripping down your water heater. In these situations, you should consider replacing the part completely. Check with your plumber in Cedar Hill, TX, for the best course of action.
While you can replace the valve yourself, dealing with water heaters is dangerous and is best left for trained professionals.
Do You Need to Replace the Water Heater if it Leaks?
If your water heater is leaking, it might seem like the only course of action is to replace the unit completely. While this may be true, broken components or ill-fitting supply lines might be the cause of your watery woes.
If you are experiencing a leak, you’ll need to consult a licensed plumber to determine the best way to approach the problem. They can take a thorough look at your tankless water heater and make a call as to what needs they need to replace and what can’t.
Unfortunately, water heaters don’t last forever. Factors like water hardness and mineral content play into how long your water heater can realistically stay in use. You can handle problems like leaky PRVs and cracked output and intake lines fairly easily. Problems with corrosion inside the unit, however, aren’t as easy to solve.
Finding Affordable Cedar Hill Plumbing Services
Are you tired of coming home to a small lake forming at the base of your tankless water heater? Leaks can be a real pain to handle. Luckily, if you’re on the hunt for a quality plumber in Cedar Hill, TX, look no further than Dial One Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.
Our team of licensed plumbing professionals is on call to tackle your water heater problems head-on. Reach out online to schedule an appointment.