When they're in good working order, water heaters do not leak. That means if you notice a puddle forming around yours—or a steady trickle dripping from one of the connections—something has gone awry. Here are some of the most common reasons why these appliances leak and what you should do about it when they do. 

3 Reasons Why Your Water Heater May Be Leaking

1. Loose Joints 

If the water appears to be dripping from the cold water inlet connection or the hot water outlet connection—one of the two pipe fixtures coming out of the top or bottom of the tank—then the joints may need tightening. Over time, these connections can loosen under the stress of the flowing water. 

Corrosion can also contribute to leaks. Thankfully, stopping them is an easy fix. A plumbing technician can simply replace the worn or rusty components and then reconnect the joints before tightening them to form a watertight seal. 

2. Faulty Relief Valve

As water heats up, it produces steam, which increases pressure within the tank. When the pressure gets too high, the relief valve opens to discharge some. If you notice water dripping down the outside of the tank, this valve may be leaking. Should this be the case, a plumber can replace the defective components to stop the leak and restore the proper pressure within the tank. 

3. Erosion 

Over time, the minerals contained within the water that runs through your home's plumbing system can accumulate at the bottom of your water heater. If you don't remove this sediment on occasion--the harder your water is, the more often you'll need to do so—the bottom of the tank will eventually erode. 

If all the connections, valves, and gaskets are dry and it looks like the leak is coming from the tank itself, erosion may be to blame. Unfortunately, there's no way to repair the tank in such a scenario so a replacement is necessary. 

The highly trained technicians at Northern Water Treatment are equipped to repair—and, when that's not possible, replace—leaking water heaters. Operating out of Fridley, MN, and serving clients across the entire Minneapolis metro area, this licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing contractor has been in business since 1995. With 24/7 availability, they can be there when it matters most. To learn more about their plumbing services, visit their website. To discuss your water heater concerns, call (763) 274-1476.