We usually don’t think much about our water heater until we step in the shower too late to learn there’s no hot water, or after we see huge puddles of water on the basement floor. But here at Allied Reddi-Rooter, we repair and replace water heaters on a regular basis. While sometimes a visit from the plumber is needed to address a leaking water heater, occasionally you can identify – and even fix – the problem yourself. 

Let’s dive into the most common causes of a leaking water heater and what you can do about it.

1. Condensation or humidity

One of the easiest and least worrisome reasons for a water heater leak is condensation. If your water heater is in a basement or garage (where the air is cooler and more humid), condensation can form on the outside of the tank, making it look like there’s a leak. This is more common in older water heaters or during extreme weather changes.

What to do: If it’s just condensation, you’re in the clear. However, to prevent future issues, you might want to check for proper insulation around your water heater to help regulate temperature and reduce humidity.

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2. Loose or broken connections

Another reason your water heater might be leaking is due to broken connections. The inlet and outlet pipes carry water into and out of the tank. If these connections aren’t tight, or if the pipes themselves have corroded, you could end up with a slow drip or a more serious leak.

What to do: Check the connections for any visible water or dampness. If you find a loose connection, it’s worth tightening it carefully. If you spot corroded or cracked pipes, they may need replacing. It’s always a good idea to call in a plumber to make sure the job is done right.

3. Leaking pressure relief valve

Your water heater is equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve), which helps prevent excess pressure from building up inside the tank. If this valve is faulty or if the pressure is too high, water can start leaking from the valve.

What to do: First, check to see if the water is coming from the valve itself. If it is, it could be because the temperature setting is too high or the water pressure in your home is too high. A plumber can test and replace the valve if needed, and in some cases, adjusting your home’s water pressure might do the trick.

4. Tank corrosion

As your water heater ages, it can start to corrode, especially if it hasn’t been properly maintained. The inside of the tank is lined with a special coating to prevent rust, but over time, this coating can break down. When the tank starts to rust, tiny holes or cracks can form, causing water to leak from the tank.

What to do: Unfortunately, once a tank begins to corrode, it’s usually a sign that it’s time to replace the water heater. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be worth calling a professional plumber to assess the situation. In some cases, replacing the unit might be the most cost-effective solution.

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5. Sediment buildup

Over time, minerals from hard water can build up inside the tank and settle at the bottom. This sediment can cause the tank to overheat and increase the pressure inside, potentially leading to a leak. Additionally, if the sediment buildup is severe, it can damage the tank’s lining, contributing to leaks.

What to do: Regular maintenance, including flushing your water heater to remove sediment, can prevent this issue. If you haven’t flushed your water heater in the last year or two, it’s a good idea to have a professional handle it. Flushing the tank helps ensure it runs efficiently and can extend its lifespan.

6. Cracked tank

In rare cases, a water heater’s tank can crack due to pressure, freezing temperatures, or simply wear and tear. When this happens, the only solution is usually to replace the unit, as cracks in the tank are not repairable.

What to do: If you discover a crack, call a plumber right away. Unfortunately, a cracked tank is one of those situations where repairs aren’t feasible, and you’ll need to replace the entire water heater.

A leaking water heater is never something to ignore. Whether it’s condensation, a faulty valve, or a more serious issue like tank corrosion, catching the problem early can help prevent costly water damage. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out Allied Reddi-Rooter. We can make sure your water heater is functioning properly. 

There’s a lot to consider before purchasing a new water heater. Maybe you’re thinking about upgrading to a tankless model. Or perhaps you’re wondering if an energy efficient water heater is best (the answer is usually “yes!”), or if there’s a certain manufacturer you should go with. 

As you mull everything over, don’t forget to consider the size of the water heater. If you don’t, there could be some cold showers in your future. 

There are two very important reasons to make sure your water heater is properly sized. First, it will ensure it meets the needs of your household. And second, it can help save energy as it takes more to operate a water heater that’s the wrong size.

Here’s how to choose the right size water heater for your home. 

For storage water heaters: 

If you’re buying a water heater with a tank (most homes in Cincinnati have this type), check the water heater’s first hour rating. This is the number of gallons of hot water the heater can generate in an hour. On water heaters with the EnergyGuide label, you’ll find this on the top left corner of the label. 

You’ll want to choose a water heater with a rating that is in line with your household’s highest hourly demand. In general, a 40 gallon water heater is ideal for a household with two people. Here are some guidelines to help: 

For tankless water heaters 

To accurately size the best tankless water heater for your home, you’ll need to do a little math. First, look at the water heater’s flow per minute rate. Next, compile a list of all the water fixtures you might use in your household at the same time. 

So, if the water heater you’re considering has a flow rate of 3.2gpm, which is 3.2 gallons of water per minute, add up how many gallons of water you’d likely use during a shower and how much water you’d use running the faucet at the same time, for example. If that number adds up to 5.75, you’d need a water heater with a 5.75 gpm. 

Here’s a great article with details about sizing water heaters 

For a solar water heating system 

Contractors usually consider a couple of things when sizing a solar heating system. First, they factor in the collector area, with a guideline of about 20 square feet for a household of two. Another 8 square feet is added for every additional household member. 

They also consider the storage volume of the tank. A 40–50 gallon take is usually enough for up to three people. If your household has more than four people, you’ll likely need an 80 gallon tank. 

Ready for a water heater? The team at Allied Reddi-Rooter is here to help. We’ll make sure yours is the right size, installed safely and ready to go the distance.  Call or contact  us.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.

There’s nothing quite like stepping into the shower on a cold winter morning only to discover that your hot water heater has stopped working. Sometimes the reason is simple. Perhaps the pilot light has gone out (if you have a gas model), or the power cord has gotten disconnected from the outlet somehow. Other times, the reason is more complicated and requires professional attention.

Here’s our top five reasons hot water heaters stop working. 

1. No power

If you’ve got an electric water heater, this should be the first thing you check. More often than not, this is the reason it’s stopped working and usually it’s a quick fix. Sometimes all it takes is plugging the power cord back into the outlet because it somehow became disconnected. 

Other reasons for losing power to the water heater include a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. You may also need to reset the safety switch if your model has one. Have a gas water heater that’s suddenly stopped working? Check to make sure it isn’t out of gas. 

2. Loose parts 

Sometimes your hot water heater can stop working if there’s a part that’s come unhinged or loose. If you suspect this is the culprit, check your water heater’s bolts to make sure they’re tight and look to see if there’s any water leaking from them or other parts. If you notice water on the floor near the bottom of the tank, you may need it replaced. Don’t wait, though, because the leak could cause serious damage to your floor. 

3. Faulty pilot light 

Just like you would on a gas stove, you’ll need to check the pilot light on your gas water heater if it’s not working. If a draft of wind or a power outage caused the pilot light to go out, all you’ll need to do is relight it. Other times, the gas valve may need to be replaced, especially if it’s become corroded or defective.  

Additional problems that can cause the pilot light to go out include the thermopile, which keeps the flame going. If it stops working, the pilot light won’t either. Gas valve, thermopile and other pilot light problems need to be fixed by a professional. Never attempt to fix a pilot light on a gas water heater on your own as it’s a dangerous job. 

4. A bad thermostat 

If the thermostat on your water heater stops working, it can stop the water heater from doing its job, too. Here’s why: since the thermostat controls the water temperature, once it goes out, the hot water heater can work for a little while, but eventually it won’t heat the water at all. Alternatively, if the high-limit switch is faulty, the thermostat will not be able to regulate the temperature and can cause water temps to exceed 180 degrees. 

5. Electric ignition problems 

Some hot water heaters use an electric ignition system. While this is usually a pretty straight-forward efficient system, it can cause the hot water heater not to work properly if its sensor flame gets clogged or otherwise compromised. If your hot water heater has electric ignition and it stops working, start by cleaning the ignition sensor. If that doesn’t work, call a professional for help. 

We recommend getting your hot water heater serviced every year. If yours stops working, give the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter a call or Contact us. We can get it up and running in no time.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.  You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask us a question.