SoBellas explores What Can Cause a Heater to Leak

    EL PASO, TX, September 03, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A leaking heater can be one of the most frustrating experiences for homeowners. It causes water damage in the home, and if it continues for long enough, repairs can be very expensive. There are many different causes of a heater leaking and some of them can be prevented with common-sense measures.

How to detect a leaking heater?
"Because heaters are insulated, leaks can be identified by looking for signs of water stains on the ceiling or walls." says Rick V with SoBellas. The stain shouldn't be immediately visible, and it might take a few days for it to appear. If water leaks, the stain will appear behind the insulation.

If the leak is severe, the insulation will be damp and soggy. If only a small portion is affected, the insulation might not be damp, but it will be discolored and will smell like mildew. The smell can also indicate mold.

What causes a heater to leak?
Here are five possible reasons why your heater is leaking.

1. Poor Installation
Rick states, "If your heater is installed incorrectly, allowing water to leak into the unit, it can cause damage." Water is particularly damaging to any electrical components. If your heater isn't installed properly, the water can get in and cause electrical issues.

A heater that is leaking and isn't installed properly can cause water to seep all over the home. This water can cause damage to the flooring, drywall, or paint. It can also increase the humidity of the room, which can cause mold and mildew to form.

2. Improper Maintenance
If you have a leaking heater and you aren't keeping up with proper maintenance, it could be that the leak is caused by a damaged part. Many heater leaks are caused by a part that needs to be replaced.

If you just let your heater sit for a long period of time, it is possible for parts to wear out. According to Rick, "When you let your heater sit for a long time, the components inside may degrade." This can cause water to seep in, and the heater to work less efficiently.

3. Improper Setup
If your heater isn't set up correctly, it can also cause leaks. Improper setup of the heater may cause it to leak water, or it could cause it to leak gas. If water leaks into the gas, it could cause an explosive situation. If this happens, you're at risk of serious injury.

4. Failed or Missing Inspection
If you live in an older home, it is likely that it was built before insulation standards were higher. If the heater isn't properly insulated, it could leak water into the home. Older homes often have dryer ducts running through them. These ducts have the potential to leak. An inspector will check the dryer ducts for leaks, but they aren't guaranteed to be 100% leak-free.

5. Leaks Caused by Faulty Pipes
In some cases, leaks occur when your pipes are leaking. If your pipes are leaking, you are at risk of water damage. Water damage can cause mold and mildew, and if the mold spores get into your home, you are at risk of getting sick.

If a pipe leaks, you need to shut off your heater immediately and call a plumber. If the leak is caused by faulty pipes, the plumber should be able to fix the problem.

Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different things that can cause your heater to leak. Some leaks can be prevented with regular maintenance, but you can also prevent leaks with routine maintenance. An annual inspection is required by most heater manufacturers, and if your heater isn't inspected, it could cause problems in the future.

If you're faced with a leaking heater, contact SoBellas Home Services today! Our heating repair technicians have years of experience repairing heaters, and they know how to repair the problem quickly and efficiently. We service the El Paso, TX area, and we look forward to serving you.

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