Tank heaters are notorious for leaks. This fact is one of the reasons many homeowners are switching to tankless heaters. Since they don’t store water, you’d think that there’s no way they can leak. But is this the case?
Are tankless water heaters susceptible to leaks?
As surprising as it may sound, tankless water heaters can leak. More specifically, the joints and pipes may begin to leak after years of use.
Such leaks usually take place at the bottom or near joints. They may not seem serious at first, but they can have disastrous consequences over time.
Water leaks can damage floors, roofs, and walls. They can also trigger more severe problems if you don’t call a professional plumber to fix the issue.
There are several temporary solutions, such as mounting a drain pan. The pan serves to remove water safely and prevent mold and costly structural damage.
What causes leaks in tankless water heaters?
There can be several causes of a tankless water heater leak. The most common are as follows:
Inadequate gas pipes
Sometimes, the gas pipes may not have enough capacity to supply the necessary amount of gas demanded by the water heater. The result is potentially catastrophic leaks that come with a distinct smell and should only be handled by a trained professional.
To avoid gas problems, make sure to have a separate line that runs from the meter to the heater without rerouting the gas main. Also, it’s best to minimize the number of joints.
Improper venting
Improper venting creates the right conditions for condensation and leaks. Over time, they can render your water heater useless.
There should be proper venting through the roof or wall in the area of the boiler. It’s best if the vent is relatively short as it minimizes the risk of leaks through connections and pipes.
High flow rates
Tankless heaters operate at lower water flow rates (five GPM) and pressure (30 PSI). Anything higher than that may cause leaks.
Acidic water
Acidic water affects metal parts in your plumbing system. It can create a pinhole in the water heater and cause a leak.
Depending on the pH level, acidic water can swiftly damage the entire system. To minimize the risk, check the acidity level regularly and hire a plumber to lower it as needed.
Pipe connections
Most tankless water heaters have relief valves, which are paramount for draining or flushing the system. Without one, it dramatically increases the odds of water leakage.Â
Fortunately, a qualified plumber can add a relief valve to your boiler system or replace the existing one. The best course of action is to order a thorough inspection of your water heater.
Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.