Despite regular maintenance, the hot water tank may leak. In some cases, this phenomenon is normal, but in others, it leads to a more serious problem that is important to resolve quickly. Check out these few tips.
Security group level issues
A water heater is systematically made up of a safety unit whose role is to prevent hot and cold water from mixing in the circuit, to protect the installation from overpressure in the hot water tank caused by the expansion or to facilitate emptying. Only downside: this security group is often subject to leaks which can be of different natures. When the phenomenon occurs during heating, this is normal provided that the flow of water is not too great. Indeed, this leak makes it possible to avoid overpressures. It must be around 3% of the total volume of the water heater.
On the other hand, if the flow is in large quantity at the time of heating, this may indicate too high a water pressure. In this case, the solution is to install a pressure reducer before the safety unit. You have already installed a pressure reducer, but your balloon continues to leak? A failure in its sealing may be the cause. If this is the case, a replacement of the pressure reducer should be considered.
Continual leaks on the safety unit are very often caused by dirt. Joint cleaning is therefore essential. And if that doesn’t work, it’s best to replace the security group altogether. A model with a stainless steel seat will be recommended if the water is too corrosive.
Solutions for other types of leaks
Fittings are frequently singled out for being the source of water heater leaks when they fail to seal at the joints. A replacement is to be expected if this phenomenon occurs. It is strongly recommended to choose lead or steel sleeves instead. Thread cleaning is also required.
In addition, the leak may appear on the flange which is located on the same part where the resistor is located, that is to say under the cover. In principle, it is provided with six nuts to tighten more firmly to stop the flow of water. If the leak persists, replace the gasket by removing the flange completely.
Last possible situation: a punctured tank which is caused by the obsolescence of the appliance or by water that is too corrosive or too calcareous. In such circumstances, there is no other solution than to replace the device. The ideal is to go through the services of a professional at this stage. The durability of your installation depends on it. And as financial aid can be obtained, work carried out by a qualified craftsman will be one of the conditions required to access it. This type of subsidy or assistance is especially accessible if you decide to install a solar water heater or other devices operating through renewable energy.