We live in a world where we take some things for granted as they’re always readily available. Unfortunately, this can turn out to be an expensive mistake when you’re not careful enough and end up with property damages that could have been easily prevented. One such example is water heaters which, if not serviced and maintained every six months, could spell disaster in the long run.
Some homeowners tend to neglect their water heater and let it fall victim to rust and corrosion, among other things. One major problem with this is that beyond basic aesthetics, there are a lot of problems that could occur when you do not pay attention to the condition of your water heater aside from rust and corrosion.
Leaks are probably the most common problem associated with water heaters. The heater can’t do its job if it’s not “working” properly, so the sooner you notice the leak, the easier it will be to get your water heater back in working order. Because of this, you simply cannot afford to ignore leaks. Here we will explain the potential consequences of ignoring water heater leaks.
It Can Cause Unsafe Living Conditions
One of the main reasons why you can’t ignore water heater leaks is because it allows for standing water to remain in your system. This water could come from several different sources, including evaporated or condensed steam, corrosion build-up, rusting within the tank itself, or simply leaking connections. You wouldn’t want to bathe in unsafe standing water anyway so this shouldn’t be an issue when looking at the big picture. To understand why these leaks happen what to do in these situations click here and assure the safety of your home. Leaks will only compound existing problems with your unit if they go unattended, so you should have them remedied immediately.
You Risk Property Damage over Time.
Beyond the potential safety hazards, there’s also property damage over time. If you cannot “see” an actual leak, that doesn’t mean that water isn’t escaping and causing harm to your property without your consent. This is because mold and mildew thrive in moist environments and can cause significant damage if not treated immediately.
Unfortunately, mold and mildew aren’t the only things that could favor these moist conditions. Insects are known to find their way into homes through tiny cracks in doors, windows, etc., where they will then feed off of wood or other materials until they are discovered. You can imagine what happens when your home becomes a bug hotel without your knowledge! If there’s already insect infestation within the unit itself due to leaking water, things can get pretty complicated.
It can cause Wasted Water and Energy
If your heater is leaking, then it means that it needs to be repaired right away. Depending on the extent of the damage and where the leak originates from, there’s also a possibility that you might need to replace some parts or even the entire unit. Since water heaters are generally used every day, having one breakdown can cause big problems in terms of energy and water consumption.
This is especially true if you’re using electric-powered appliances like washing machines at home: these require a constant flow of power and if your heater isn’t supplying this power anymore because is faulty, then expect your regular laundry sessions to be postponed until everything gets fixed. Not only does this add more stress on you but it could add up to hundreds of dollars in energy costs in six months or so, not including water consumption which can be equally costly depending on your local rates.
It Can Shorten the Life of Your Water Heater Significantly
Left unrepaired, leaks could potentially damage other parts of your water heater which will lead to its premature failure. The average lifespan of a regular electric water heater is approximately 10 years, while gas tankless models are estimated to last around 20 years or more depending on various factors such as location and usage frequency. However, all these become moot when you consider the fact that most problems associated with a leakage are usually irreversible once they start occurring, especially if it hasn’t been addressed immediately.
It Can Be Dangerous for You and Your Loved Ones
If your water heater is leaking, then the chances are high that you’ve already noticed an increase in your energy bills over time. However, did you know that leaks can also cause other problems such as carbon monoxide exposure? Since water heaters use natural gas to generate hot water and if there’s a leak present somewhere in the system, this means that there’s a possibility for this gas to escape and get into your home and into your lungs. This not only puts you at risk of inhaling carbon monoxide but it can be harmful to everyone living with you.
All these factors taken into consideration show that you simply cannot afford to ignore water heater leaks, not only because of the deterioration in the quality of your life for the time being but also because it can cause significant damages or even pose potential health risks. Fortunately, water heater leaks are quite easy to detect once you know what to look out for.
