A leaking water heater is one of the most common and frustrating household issues that homeowners face. Whether it’s a small drip or a more serious flood, water heater leaks can cause water damage and result in costly repairs. If you’ve noticed a puddle around your water heater, it’s important to figure out what’s causing the leak and take action quickly.
In this post, we’ll explore the common causes of water heater leaks and provide step-by-step guidance for your JOVEN water heater.
Did you know that in Singapore, Public Utilities Board (PUB) mandates that all electric storage water heaters require a licensed plumber submission? Unfortunately in Singapore, labour costs are high and many handy mans are actually not certified licensed plumber. As with all articles, we would highly recommend you to look for a licensed plumber for all water heater installations. For more information, you can refer to PUB's website.
Common Causes of Water Heater Leaks
Understanding why your water heater is leaking can help you determine the right course of action. Here are the most common causes:
1. Faulty Pressure Relief Valve (PRV)
The pressure relief valve is located at the bottom of the water heater and is used to vent excessive pressure that can arise when the hot water heater is functioning. Over time due to wear and tear, this valve may become loose, corroded, or damaged, causing water to leak.
Fix for JOVEN storage water heaters:
- Tighten the Valve: If the valve is loose, use a wrench to tighten it. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can cause further damage.
- Choked Valve: If the PRV is not installed in the correct orientation, there is a chance that the water is not able to vent the pressure
- Replace the Valve: We recommend you to contact JOVEN service team to have the valve checked.
DO NOT Block the PRV or engage anyone to stop the leak by blocking the PRV. The PRV is a safety device that prevents excessive pressure from building up in the tank. There has been such cases of noncompliance and this can lead to catastrophic failure of the tank. (Straits Times Article)
2. Unsteady and Excessive Pressure
High and unsteady water pressure in the plumbing system can cause leaks in the water heater. In Singapore, PUB has published an article that recommends all buildings to ensure that water fittings would not be subjected to pressure head exceeding 35 metres (3.45Bar). Unfortunately, due to wear and tear or maintenance, our Customer Service team has encountered multiple cases within the same building that have frequent exposure to pressures of up to 8-10 Bar.
If the pressure is high and unsteady, it can put stress on the water heater and cause leaks or even lead to the failure of internal components like the PRV valve and the inner cylinder tank. This high and unsteady pressure can also damage the other plumbing taps or sanitary fittings in your home
Fix:
- Check Water Pressure: Use a pressure gauge to check the water pressure coming into the water heater.
- Look for your Building Management: For HDB's, please contact your town council to verify the water pressure. For Condo's, please contact your Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) to verify the water pressure.
- Install a Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRDV): If the pressure is too high, a external pressure-reducing valve can be installed at the water heater to regulate the pressure and prevent leaks.
3. Corroded Tank
Over time, the tank of your water heater can begin to corrode, especially if the tank is almost 10 years old or has accumulated a lot of sediment.
Fix:
- Tank Replacement: Unfortunately, once the tank has corroded, the only solution is to replace the entire water heater. This is typically the case if the tank is close to 10 years old.
Here at JOVEN we pride ourselves to supply you with premium grade stainless steel tank compared to many other brands out there. We have done this since the beginning and there is no need for any messy and dirty sacrificial anode. As many brands are using enamel coated tanks, they often run into problems with corrosion and dirty brown and stinky water.
3. Leaking Inlet or Outlet Connections
The inlet and outlet connections (hot and cold water pipes) can also be sources of leaks. These connections may be loose or the seals could be damaged.
Fix:
- Tighten the Connections: Use a wrench to tighten any loose connections. Be sure not to overtighten, as this can cause damage to the fittings.
- Replace Seals or Fittings: If tightening doesn’t resolve the leak, inspect the seals or gaskets and replace them if necessary.
Conclusion
A leaking water heater can cause serious damage to your home if not addressed quickly. By identifying the source of the leak and taking the appropriate steps to fix it, you can save time, money, and hassle. If you’re unable to repair the leak on your own, don’t hesitate to contact us here at JOVEN for your JOVEN branded water heater. Regular maintenance can help prevent leaks and ensure your water heater operates efficiently for years to come.
If you have any questions or need assistance with water heater leaks, feel free to contact us today!