A water tank that has been in use for quite some time may start leaking. Water tanks are majorly used to store hot or cold water, and over time some aspects may cause a tank to leak water.
At first, realizing that your water tank is leaking may be a cause of panic. This is because the spilled liquid will not only affect your floors but may end up changing the wall and hence compromise on the integrity of the house.
However, sometimes a leaking water tank should not be a cause of an alarm this is because, in mild instances, it can be repaired; but in worst scenarios, you may need to replace your water tank.
Water tanks may leak due to a variety of reasons which accelerate its leakage. Water from the tank may leak from several places, such as from the water heater valve and from the tank itself.
When in need to repair the various leaking points, it’s prudent to exercise caution, especially when dealing with the hot water tank. Avoid directly touching the container if it’s hot, and in case you realize water leakage is extreme, you should call a professional licensed plumber.
The plumber will check some primary areas to identify the leaking point of the water tank; such places may be:
- The drain valve – This is the most likely area that may lead to water leakage. The drain valve is mostly tasked to drain sediments found in water heaters and is located at the bottom of the tank. In case it’s the drain valve spigot that it’s at fault, it can be easily repaired and is inexpensive.
- The tank – In case the drain valve is fully functioning, the most likely spot to leak water is the tank itself. Most likely place a tank can leak water is its bottom. Here it will mean that the tank is corroded and replacement would be the only possible solution.
Let’s examine some of the factors that cause a water tank to leak:
- Age
Most water tanks live up to 8-13 years; therefore, once a tank has been in use over time; sediments are likely to pile up at the bottom of the container leading to its corrosion. This may make the bottom of the tank to rust eventually wear off, thus leaking water.
- Pressure and Temperature Relief Valve
In a hot and cold water tank, the pressure valve plays a crucial role to ensure the tank functions smoothly. The lid is responsible for regulating the pressure and temperature built in the tank. Therefore, when too much pressure or temperature is experienced in the tank, the pressure valve releases some water to help the tank keeps operating smoothly.
The temperature and pressure valve leaking may suggest the valve is loose hence water is leaking from the sides, or it may indicate the tank has too much pressure, and it was draining a little of it, meaning there is no need for an alarm. Whichever of the two cases licensed plumber can help you determine.
- Poor Maintenance
A tank should be properly maintained to allow it to function well for a long time. However, a tank that is rarely flushed with all the water and sediments removed are likely to cause leakage. This is because deposits at the bottom of the container will lead to its short lifespan.
- Drain Valve
As earlier stated, the drain valve may be the cause of water leaking in a tank. Once the drain valve has been identified as having a problem, the plumber may opt to tighten the valve more rigidly so that water leakage can be stopped. However, if the water is still leaking, you may need to replace the drain valve whose cost is inexpensive.
There are a variety of factors that may lead to water leakage in a tank, the first instance to solve it would be to identify the source place and contact a licensed plumber to help you fix the issue.