It starts simply enough: you notice a little puddle beside your water heater, mop it up, and carry on with your day, not thinking much more of it. You might come back the next week and repeat the process, or you might forget about it entirely. Then, when you get your next utility bill, you’re astounded to see that it’s gone way up from the previous one, with no discernable cause. Suddenly, you recall that puddle you mopped up and decide it’s time to have a professional come examine your water heater and provide the repairs it needs. Unfortunately, the damage has already been done, and in addition to a higher utility bill, the little leak has now developed into a bigger problem and is going to be more expensive to repair.
Ignoring a leaky water heater can lead to a plethora of other problems that can cost you far more than a quick initial repair would. At Ace Hardware Home Services, we encourage you to reach out to us at the first signs of trouble with your water heater so we can help you mitigate the damage and associated costs. Let’s look at just a few ways that the cost of a leaky water heater can snowball into something much more than a minor repair if it’s not addressed promptly.
- Water Damage – Among the most common and immediate added costs of ignoring a leaky water heater is the risk of water damage to the rest of your home. Even a small leak can invite mold, mildew, and other contaminants into the space, which can then lead to structural damage and ruined personal belongings. Water damage remediation can be expensive since the damage spreads.
- Energy Waste – As we alluded to above, a leaky water heater can cause your home energy usage to spike. The leaking unit may struggle to maintain the desired water temperature, leading to increased energy consumption as the unit works harder to heat your water.
- Decreased Water Heater Lifespan – If your leaky water heater is working harder, that means its parts are wearing out faster. Beyond that, exposure and water damage can cause rusting and corrosion to the tank and components. You might find yourself facing a complete water heater replacement rather than a repair if you delay scheduling a maintenance service.