Leaky Pipes & Dripping Taps

Posted on: 19 July 2017

A water heater system comprises many different components that work together to ensure that people in residential buildings get hot water supply. One of the most critical components of a water heater system is the water storage tank. As its name implies, this tank is used to store hot water. Water storage tanks are usually large and can hold several litres of hot water. The external part of the tank is normally very well-insulated to keep the water hot between heating cycles. Water goes into the water heater system from the top of the tank via the dip tube, and then routes down the bottom of the tank where it gets heated. The hot water exits the tank through an outgoing hot water pipe sometimes known as the heat-out pipe.

Hot water system problems that can be traced to the water storage tanks are not uncommon. Here are some potential issues that homeowners should be on the lookout for. 

Corrosion 

Most water heater tanks are made of steel. Even though a protective lining or coating is often applied onto the interiors of the steel tanks and sacrificial anodes placed inside the tanks, rust and corrosion of the tanks is a given because higher water temperatures tend to speed up the rate at which the metal is deteriorated. Over time, the protective coating will wear down and the anode rods will corrode themselves, leaving the tank unprotected from the risk of corrosion. 

Vent pipes can also be a cause of corrosion. Vent pipes are the pipes that run from the water heating appliance to the exteriors of a home. When these pipes (usually made of brass or copper) come into contact with the surface of the steel tank surface, the tank will become susceptible to corrosion and rust development.

Excessive corrosion in water heater tanks is usually an indication that it's time to replace a water heater.

Leaking

Leaking of water from water heater tanks is quite common, especially around the drain valve, which is located at the bottom of the tank. The drain valve is designed to help remove the buildup (sediment) that settles at the bottom of the tank over time, but it can also result in loss of hot water from the storage tank when it's loose or faulty. 

Loose or faulty drain valves should be repaired immediately to prevent precious hot water from pooling under the tank.

Homeowners should raise any concerns they may have about maintenance and repair of their hot water tanks and systems with a qualified plumber. For more information, contact companies like Peninsula Plumbing S.A.