Traditional water heaters are rugged and dependable but water is corrosive and the components inside the unit will eventually start to rust and wear. A leaking water heater requires immediate attention since unaddressed leaks can cause property damage and will significantly raise utility costs. A small amount of water on a garage or basement floor may be an early warning sign of a much more serious problem. In many instances, you can pinpoint the cause of a leak by determining exactly where the water is coming from.

The most common sources of a hot water heater leak include:

• The tank: If water is leaking around the base of the unit, the tank itself may be compromised. Look for damp insulation and water on the seams of the metal jacket. There may also be some moisture inside the heating element inspection panel.
• The drain valve: A compromised drain valve usually begins to leak immediately after routine maintenance. Since it isn’t used much, opening the valve to drain sediment-rich water may expose corroded gaskets and seals. If the drain doesn’t close properly, a steady trickle of water may continue to leak from the spout. A qualified plumber can remove the faulty unit and install a full-port brass valve to help eliminate future problems.
• The temperature relief valve (TPR): This critical safety device releases water and steam if the temperature inside the tank exceeds safety design parameters. After many years of operation, the TPR may fail and begin to leak. If lifting the valve to release a small amount of hot water fails to clear accumulated sediment, the valve will need to be replaced by a professional plumber. If the valve is periodically discharging jets of hot water, it may be a sign of a more serious plumbing issue.
• The inlet and outlet: The connections on your water heater tank are made of steel while the pipes are usually made of copper. An ongoing chemical reaction takes place that eventually may corrode the steel pipes. A slow, steady leak can be identified by unsightly corrosion and rust growing around the connections. If you detect corrosion and moisture around the inlet or outlet pipes, it is advisable to have them replaced before a serious leak develops.

Water heater problems can be costly and destructive if left unaddressed. If you have a leaking water heater, call the professional New Port Richey plumbers at Continental Plumbing Services, LLC.

Tankless, or on-demand, water heaters operate by supplying heated water only when it’s needed. With tankless technology, the system warms water to your desired temperature immediately. To do this, water flows through tube like pipes that the system heats with gas or electricity.

Some of the benefits of tankless water heaters include:

• Lower energy bills: Since tankless units do not store a large amount of heated water, they decrease your energy costs. In fact, a tankless system could lower your energy bill by as much as 40%. This type of heating system uses an exact amount of energy to warm the water being used in the moment.
• Longer lasting units: Tankless hot water systems generally last longer than traditional containment units. In fact, tankless devices frequently function for 15 to 20 years while hot water tanks typically last for about 10 years.
• Increased energy efficiency: An on-demand hot water unit is about 30 percent more efficient than a traditional tank that stores 50 gallons of water. By installing a tankless system, you will be aiding the environment since you'll be using less energy. Furthermore, if you purchase an electric model, you’ll have a device that does not generate greenhouse gasses.
• Cleaner water: When water originates from a hot water tank, it has been stored with rust and scale unless it's new. All traditional hot water tanks accumulate debris over time. A tankless hot water heater is able to deliver cleaner water because the heating system is not using stored water.

By upgrading your home’s plumbing network to include tankless hot water heaters, you’ll avoid the possibility of flooding, which can occur with traditional hot water tanks. Also, on-demand systems feature safety controls to prevent water temperatures from reaching unsafe levels. When you request exterior installation, the heating devices come with freeze protection to avoid system damage.