Things That Go Drip: Hot Water Heaters

Leaks are the bane of homeowners everywhere. In our continuing series of Things That Go Drip, we take a look at another major cause of in-home water damage: hot water heaters. When was the last time you had your hot water heater serviced? If you can’t answer that question easily, it’s probably time to have it checked. The average storage tank hot water heater has a life span of 10-12 years. The water quality in your area and the quality of your hot water heater can cause this factor to vary widely. In addition, good maintenance will play a vital role in the life of your hot water heater. You should check your hot water heater for leaks frequently. Don’t forget to check the water supply lines leading into it as these can develop small pinhole leaks causing water to collect on top of the tank. Examine connections between supply lines and the tank to sure they are sound. If you are unsure or uncomfortable, leave the job to a reputable plumber. You should have your hot water heater drained and cleaned at least once a year by a professional plumber to remove any sediment build-up and mineral deposits. This can be a very messy job for a do-it-yourselfer to tackle and is best left for the professionals unless you are very sure of what you’re doing. Call a plumber to check your tank even for a small leak as leaky tanks have been known to burst suddenly.