If you’re like most homeowners here in American Fork, UT, you’ve likely never seen a water heater leak. This is because modern water heaters are extremely reliable and rarely fail in that way. However, there is one place where a storage tank water heater may leak, and it’s by design.
It’s called an overflow valve, and every water heater has one. Its purpose is to prevent a catastrophic water heater failure. So, if your water heater begins leaking water from its overflow valve, you should figure out why immediately. Here are some of the most common reasons for your water heater to release water from its overflow valve.
Your Tank Is Over Pressurized
Your water heater’s overflow valve also helps to serve as a safety device in the event of tank over-pressurization. This is because storage tank water heaters can only handle a certain internal pressure before they fail. The valve at the top of your water heater’s overflow pipe will open when yours approaches its maximum pressure. On average, this will happen when your storage tank approaches 150 psi internally. This allows water to drain out of the tank to relieve the pressure. If your water heater didn’t have that feature, it could explode due to any malfunction. So, if there’s water coming from your water heater’s overflow valve, you should suspect a pressure issue.
In most cases, a pressure issue inside your water heater is a result of too much incoming water pressure. You can check your home’s water pressure by attaching a water pressure gauge to a hose bib outside your home. If you get a reading over 80 psi with the spigot opened all the way, your water pressure is too high. In that case, you can have a water pressure regulator installed in your home to solve the problem.
Your Tank Is Overheating
Another reason your water heater might leak from its overflow valve is if it’s running too hot. Most residential water heaters heat water to between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit by default. However, they’re usually capable of handling water temperatures of up to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. If your water heater’s temperature exceeds that, it will open its overflow valve and let some water out. The idea is to let some cold water in to lower the unit’s temperature.
If you suspect that your water heater is overheating your water, you should test it with a thermometer. Never put your hand into the hot water stream of one of your home’s sinks to check its temperature. If the water heater is overheating, you will suffer severe burns by doing this. Instead, let the hot water run at the sink for a minute or two, and then test it with a thermometer. If the water’s too hot, check your water heater’s temperature control. If it’s set appropriately, call Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing for help immediately.
You Recently Installed a Backflow Preventer
If you’ve recently installed a backflow preventer for your home’s water supply, it may cause an overflow valve leak. The reason is simple. As your water heater heats water, the water expands. Ordinarily, that expansion will push back against the incoming water supply. If you install a backflow preventer, however, that can’t happen. As a result, your water heater would have little choice but to release some excess water. To solve that problem, you may need an expansion tank installed in your home. That would give the excess water pressure somewhere to go when necessary.
A Failing Valve
Of course, your water heater may leak from its overflow valve if the valve itself fails. That’s the most common reason a water heater may leak from that location. That doesn’t mean you should ignore the problem, though. A failing overflow valve could represent a serious safety issue in your home. It would mean your water heater no longer has any protection from the problems mentioned above. So, any time you notice water coming from your water heater’s overflow valve, you should call a professional.
Local Water Heater Experts
Since 1910, Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing has been the company that American Fork homeowners trust for their water heater needs. We offer comprehensive plumbing services, including water heater repairs and installation. Our skilled plumbers can find and fix the cause of your water heater leak quickly. We also offer HVAC services, ductwork, indoor air quality, and sheet metal fabrication. So, if your water heater begins leaking and you need it fixed, call the experts at Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing!
