Need A Water Heater Repair? How To Know If You Are Seeing Leaks or Condensation Around Your Water Heater | San Antonio, TX
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With average high temperatures of around 80 degrees and precipitation levels of 65%, San Antonio, TX, has humid tropical weather almost all year round. Humid weather and heat are common causes for condensation around water heaters. If you are from here and need water heater repair services, it’s highly recommended you contact your local plumber at the earliest.
Leaving water heater leaks unattended can lead to indoor flooding and damage. The leak could also cause the wiring and other electrical components of the water heater to deteriorate. Trying to do the water heater repair yourself is not advisable since you may contact hot water and electricity.
What Causes Leaks and Condensation?
There are several prominent reasons for water heater leaks.
- Hot gases that are released by your gas heater could react with cold water causing condensation. If there is excessive condensation, it means you need some heat adjustment for your water heater;
- When water heaters release propane gas, a lot of moisture is released along with the gas, causing condensation;
- There is a leakage in the pressure release valve or the drain valve causing leaks around the water heater;
- There are cracks or holes on the water heater mold that are releasing water and causing leakage;
- The size of the gas heater is too small;
- The set temperature level is too low;
- The tank capacity is too low for the pressure of water flow;
- The water is rising at a pressure or speed that the water heater can’t manage.
How to Identify Leaks and Condensation
Water heater leaks are easy to notice because there is water surrounding the water heater. The condensation is also easily noticeable. It is easy to confuse a condensation-related issue to be a leak because condensations are not easy to identify.
San Antonio, TX, has a total land area of 465.4 square miles, and the terrain is generally dry. The dryness and heat could cause damage to underground plumbing and exposed plumbing and water heaters.
Listen for Leaks
If there is a leak in your water heater, you may be able to identify it by the sound of dripping water. Leaks caused by condensation are typically not high-pressure leaks that cause water to flood out. When checking for leaks with your ears, it may be a good idea to turn off all external appliances to eliminate any avoidable noise.
If you identify the leak, you may contact your local plumber for water heater repair services at the earliest to stop the issue from worsening. You could also listen for “sizzling” noises from the heater that may be caused when condensed water droplets fall into the cold tank surface, indicating condensation.
Look for Water Near or Around the Heater
If your water heater is leaking, there will most likely be a small pool of water around the heater. You may also inspect your basement to identify any puddles or floods on the basement floor. If there are water puddles, it usually means your water heater’s tank is damaged. If your heater is leaking too much, contact your local plumber immediately for water heater repair services.
Check the Pressure Valve and Drain Valve
The pressure release valve and the temperature control valve are located at the top of the water heater. Leaks, breakage, or malfunctioning of the pressure-release valve cause leaks. Your local plumber will examine the valve to check if water is flowing out from the heater’s top as part of the repair services. The plumber will then repair the valve or replace it with a new valve. Insulating the valve may not be the best option.
Leaks could also result from issues with the drain valve, which is located near the room floor. If there are no issues with the pressure valve, your plumber will inspect the drain valve to check if there is a leak. If the valve is broken or cracked, the plumber will fix it or repair it as part of a repair service.
Issues with Temperature Control
Your gas water heater works by heating and cooling gases. Condensation could occur when gases are cooled beyond the “dew point” or when the tank’s temperature is below 110 F. When the water heater is switched on, the machine heats the water; the hot water reacts with the cool air causing condensation. This is one of the most common causes of condensation in water heaters.
When you contact your plumber for water heater repair services, the expert assesses the temperature control valve. If the valve or temperature control unit is not functioning correctly, you may require a replacement.
Pilot Outage Corrosion
Some gas heaters use a pilot light to heat the gas in the water heater. The pilot light is always on regardless of whether the water heater is switched on or off. If the pilot light is off or there is inadequate airflow, this may cause condensation or leakage in the gas water heater.
You need the water heater repair services of an expert plumber to identify issues with the pilot light and fix it since it involves a lot of technical work. When there is condensation, the water droplets could drip into the pilot light and cause an outage.
Issues with the Power Vent
If there is water leakage from the power vent or the power vent drain, it could indicate water heater leakage or condensation. Your plumber carries out the water heater repair and ensures the venting is sufficient and unobstructed. If your water heater is leaking due to condensation, the hot water could flow through the power vent pipes causing it to burn or break.
Contact Your Local Plumber Immediately for Water Heater Repair
This is home to over 1,547,253 residents. Several expert plumbers cater to the plumbing needs of the residents of the city. If you suspect or notice leakage or condensation around your water heater, contact our expert plumbers at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio for water heater repair services as soon as you can. To book an appointment, call us at 210-876-1629.
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