Summer months can put a unique strain on your water heater. If a tiny leak starts to develop now, the high humidity of summer may result in mold growth. Taking five minutes to look over your tank today can protect your water heater and your home from the problems caused by a hidden water leak.

The Hidden Danger of Thermal Expansion

Summer water temperatures can fluctuate wildly, and when cold water enters a hot tank, it causes the metal to expand and contract more than usual. These constant changes can eventually lead to tiny cracks around the welded seams or near the intake pipes. Checking the area around the base of the heater for any moisture ensures that these tiny structural issues do not turn into a total tank failure.

Testing the Temperature and Pressure Valve

Every water heater has a safety device called a T&P valve. This is designed to open up and release water if the tank gets too hot or the pressure gets too high. In the summer, your water heater might struggle to stay cool if it is located in a hot garage. This can cause the valve to drip as it tries to keep the tank from exploding. Take a look at the discharge pipe connected to this valve to see if it is bone-dry or if there are signs of crusty white mineral buildup. If you see water dripping from this pipe, it means there is trouble. Your heater is under too much stress.

Sediment Scratches and Bottom Leaks

Over time, minerals, such as calcium and lime, settle at the bottom of your water heater and form a thick layer of sludge over the heating element. During the summer, this sludge can trap heat against the bottom of the tank. This causes the metal to overheat and eventually burn through. If the bottom of your tank starts to rust out, you might have a 50-gallon flood that ruins your drywall and flooring in minutes. You can check for this by looking at the color of the water in your bottom drain valve to see if it looks rusty or cloudy. A quick flush of the tank can remove that abrasive grit and help your water heater live a much longer life without leaking.

Spending some time to inspect your water heater this summer is a simple way to prevent a giant headache and keep your home’s utility costs under control. By catching tiny drips around the valves or the base of the tank now, you stop moisture from turning into a major flood that could ruin your basement, utility room, or garage. If you have concerns or require water heater services, contact Sargent’s Plumbing and Heating in Nipomo, CA.