Common Causes of Water Heater Leaks
7063837684 • February 21, 2025
Water heaters ensure a steady hot water supply for cooking, cleaning, and bathing, especially during the colder months. Because of this, issues like leaks that disrupt proper heater functionality can cause inconvenience in your household. In addition, if this problem is left unaddressed, it can result in more severe issues, like water damage or flooding. Read on for some common causes of water heater leaks:
High Pressure
Water heaters
naturally create pressure when running. The hot water in their tank creates steam, increasing overall pressure. When this becomes excessive, and the steam has nowhere to go, it finds a way to escape, resulting in water leaking from existing cracks or loose connections.
Excess pressure in your water heater may be caused by setting water temperatures too high. A faulty temperature and pressure relief valve, which ensures a stable temperature in your water heater, may also be the culprit. A professional can help you diagnose these factors and ensure they will not cause your unit to leak.
Loose Drain Valve
The drain valve allows you to empty the water heater when cleaning the tank or for necessary maintenance and repairs. Over time, this component can loosen or become worn out, allowing water to leak out. While tightening the valve can help solve the issue, some situations call for a replacement. If you're unsure about the ideal solution, it's best to consult a plumber.
Sediment Buildup
As water heaters age, sediment buildup may occur. Aside from affecting your unit’s efficiency, these sediments can settle and build up at the bottom of the tank, causing deterioration. If your water heater tank cracks, it will likely leak, requiring costly replacement. To prevent sediment buildup, regular flushing and maintenance are a must.
Corroded Anode Rod
The anode rod is a component found inside the water heater tank. It attracts corrosive materials and prevents them from wreaking havoc on your unit. Although effective, this rod can become worn down over time. Without it, the corrosive substances can eat away at your tank until it cracks and leaks. Replacing the anode rod occasionally or when needed minimizes the chances of corrosion, which results in a leaking water heater.
Get Professional Water Heater Services
Learning about what causes water heater leaks can help you better troubleshoot or establish a maintenance routine to prevent the problem from occurring. If you’re unsure what to do, you can always hire a plumbing professional
to do the job for you. NorthStar Plumbing and Drain Cleaning offers reliable water heater repair and maintenance in Fargo, ND. Contact us today for more information!

As summer winds down and the back-to-school season picks up, it’s easy to put home maintenance on the back burner. But if you want to avoid costly plumbing issues this fall and winter, now is the perfect time to knock out a few important fixes. Here are 5 plumbing tasks every homeowner should tackle before the seasons changes and why doing them now can save you time, money, and stress later. 1. Find and Fix Hidden Leaks That tiny drip under your sink or behind the toilet might not seem like a big deal — but it adds up fast. Not only can leaks lead to water damage, but they also waste gallons of water (and dollars) every month. A quick inspection now can prevent a much bigger headache when temperatures drop and pipes become more vulnerable. 2. Test Your Sump Pump Late summer storms and early fall rain can overload your drainage system if your sump pump isn’t working properly. If it’s been a while since it was last checked, now’s the time. We’ll make sure everything is operating smoothly so you’re protected during heavy rain or unexpected snow melt. 3. Clear Out Slow Drains Are your sinks or tubs draining slower than usual? Hair, soap, and debris can build up over time, especially during the high-use summer months. A professional drain cleaning ensures water flows freely and helps prevent backups during the colder months when pipes can contract and clog more easily. 4. Inspect Your Water Heater No one wants to be stuck with a freezing shower in October. Your water heater has worked hard all summer and now’s the time for a quick inspection. We’ll check for signs of wear, flush out sediment buildup, and make sure it’s running efficiently before the weather cools. 5. Prep Your Outdoor Plumbing It’s not quite time to winterize your outdoor faucets and irrigation lines, but you can still get ahead by checking for leaks, replacing worn washers, and making sure everything shuts off properly. Come October, you’ll be glad you planned ahead. ✅ Ready to Prep Your Plumbing for Fall? NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning offers honest, reliable service for Fargo–Moorhead homeowners whether you need a quick fix, routine checkup, or full system inspection. Book your pre-fall plumbing service now and step into the new season with confidence.
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