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Is Your Water Heater Leaking From the Top? Follow These Steps To Discover Why!

Written by Al Coronado on . Posted in Blog Post, Information.

If you’ve discovered that your water heater is leaking from the top, don’t fret!

If the leak is truly from the top, it’s generally less costly and easy to fix.
But if not properly treated in time, it can eventually develop into more serious issues.

Before proceeding any further, it is always a good idea to turn the power off. Do this before working on your water heater.

We are now going to look into the 3 most likely causes of why your water heater might be leaking from the top.

#1: Water Inlet Valve

If there seems to be a collection of water on the top of your water heater, this is often a signal that there is a possible leak in the water inlet or outlet pipe.

First, check your cold water pipe. This usually has an inline valve or gate valve that allows you to alter the flow of water to your water heater.

Examine these valves for any leakage. If so, it may be as simple as tightening the connection between the nut and the handle.

Next, if there is still leakage, then it’s possible that the valve is defective and needs to be replaced.

#2: Loose Pipe Fittings

Followed step one and still haven’t found your issue? Take a look beyond the valve and take a closer look at the actual water inlet and outlet fittings and see if water leakage is present in those areas.

If this is the case, take a wrench and try to tighten the pipes until the leakage stops. However, it’s fairly common for these pipes to become corroded over time. That would mean that you would need to replace the actual fitting.

The fitting can sometimes be hard to remove, but it’s typically not a difficult chore. If your water heater uses copper tubing instead of threaded pipe, you may want to hire a professional instead.

#3: The Temperature & Pressure Valve

If you still haven’t discovered the issue, look for the Temperature & Pressure Valve (T&P Valve).

This is commonly located on the side of the water heater, to see if you can spot any leaks coming from the valve. It is advised that if your T&P Valve becomes faulty, you should replace it with a new one.

These are installed for your safety. However, it’s important to know that it is the T&P Valve that is faulty. It could be your entire water heater, then you are going to need to remove it to check for corrosion in the threads.

Here are some helpful steps to fixing a water heater

    • Drain the water level inside the tank until it is below the valve.
    • Open a hot water tap to allow air inside the tank.
    • Use channel locks to unscrew the valve and remove it from the tank.
    • After removing the valve, check for any rust or corrosion on the tank itself. If you spot any, the water heater needs to be replaced.

If you don’t discover any visible corrosion, wrap the threading of your T&P Valve in Teflon tape. This helps seal the valve, and then screw it back into the tank.

Once you have completed these steps, keep a close eye on your water heater to see if your problem continues. Often the leaking persists. If you weren’t able to determine the cause of your leak, you should call a professional plumber right away.

People Also Ask

Q: What is the best type of metal to use for water pipes?
A: The best type of metal to use for water piping in your home is copper. Due to it’s strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, it is a plumber’s first choice for metal piping applications.

Q: What is the best plumbing pipe for cold weather?
A: PEX is the best plumbing pipe to use for cold weather, as it is more resistant to freezing water and can expand and contract as necessary with the fluctuations in temperature between seasons.

Q: What type of pipe is used for main water lines?
A: PEX and CPVC are typically used for piping main water lines. Due to their wide array of applications and their ability to withstand high pressure, they are frequently used for running main lines in housing and commercial applications.

Q: Which type of plumbing pipe is best?
A: The best type of plumbing pipe is PEX Pipe or Copper Pipe due to its wide usage, durability, and use of non-toxic materials.

Additional information on Water heater leaking from the top

Here is more general information on water heaters

Are Plumbing Estimates Free?

Written by Al Coronado on . Posted in Information, Plumbing.

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Plumbing estimates and on-site quotes should always be free and are really a mandatory requirement for many reasons. You should view any plumbing service that quotes you over the phone with caution since that company will not be able to collect enough information to provide a truly accurate estimate.

As a plumbing service in Tucson, AZ, we receive calls daily asking us what our costs are. They are usually from homeowners who have experienced some sort of emergency and want to make sure that our costs fit their budget-and we definitely understand this.

Unfortunately, in 99% of such cases, we cannot provide a truly accurate quote over the phone. This is really for the customer’s protection. Plumbers that do provide a quote are attempting to book the job so that they can be the first on-site for the service repair. They may underprice and then overcharge after the fact.

Often times when this happens, the estimate they provided over the phone changes, because the plumber, now having been on-site, has a clearer understanding of the intricacies involved in performing the work and completing the job.

Hourly Vs Flat Rate Plumbing Estimates

In addition to understanding why plumbing estimates or on-site quotes should be free, it is also good to understand the difference between Flat Rate and Hourly Pricing.

As it pertains to hourly pricing, it is priced exactly how it sounds – by the hour. While this type of estimate is popular among some plumbers it also leaves room for inconsistencies in cost. If the job ends up taking longer than the plumber estimated it may begin to endure extra costs.

In contrast, flat rate pricing is a price that is provided on a plumbing estimate that does not take hours into consideration. Whether it takes the plumber 3 hours to be completed or 8 hours, the price will remain exactly the same.

Between both types of plumbing estimates, flat rate prices help keep you, as a customer, safe from further project costs down the road. At Al Coronado Plumbing we only believe in flat-rate pricing, as any experienced plumber should know how long the job is going to take if they have been diligent in their inspection.

The Average Plumbing Estimate Nationally

While plumbing estimates are free, we have taken the time out to provide you with information regarding the average cost of repair at flat rate fees.

Note: These are not Al Coronado’s Prices, they are a national average.

Slab Leak Estimate

Fixing a slab leak under concrete can cost anywhere from $500 – $4000 depending on the equipment needed and the obstacles in the way of displacing foundation in order to get to the leak.

Leaking or Burst Pipe Estimate

Leaking or burst pipes can cost anywhere from $150 to $350, with the diagnosis of the leak costing anywhere from $100 – $200. This does not include drywall or the repair cost of the sub-wall or floor.

If the pipe bursts it is likely for a homeowner to pay anywhere from $1000 to $4000 in water damage cleanup and repair fees.

Main Water Line Estimate

If a main water line leaks or needs repair it can cost anywhere from $300 to $4000 depending on where the leak takes place along the line.

In some instances, if the line depth is deeper than average or in a location that is hard to access, there may be additional fees associated with the main water line plumbing estimate.

Drain and Clogged Pipe Estimates

The average estimate of clearing a drain or pipe is roughly $200 – $500 depending on where the drain is located and if there are junctions or bends in it that make it more complicated to unclog.

All sinks or drains in your home should utilize a catcher to prevent problems with draining in the future and may save you hundreds down the line.

Sewer and Septic Estimates

Because of how important sewers are to your house and the surrounding homes, they are usually expedited jobs and tend to cost more than other plumbing jobs because of this.

The average price of installing a sewer main is $3,000, with a cleaning coming in at $300 – $600. If the mainline is needing to be repaired it can be upwards of $4500 or more.

If your problem is with a septic tank, the issue must also be expedited. An average septic estimate cost may be in the low range of $500 for pumping the tank, while repairs and replacements can cost upwards of $7000.

Toilet Repair Estimates

The average cost of a toilet repair round from $140 to $400 depending on the various parts and amount of labor required to fix it.

Plumbing Estimate Conclusion


As you can see, when it comes to plumbing estimates, the price can vary from relatively low to incredibly high. Because of this, we always recommend having a certified technician from a reputable plumbing company to physically come out to your house before assuming that the price they provide will be accurate.

At Al Coronado Plumbing, we value getting the price right the first time. Get in touch today for more information, or a free plumbing estimate or on-site inspection in your area. We look forward to hearing from you!

People Also Ask

  • What is the best type of metal to use for water pipes?

    The best type of metal to use for water piping in your home is copper. Due to its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, it is a plumber’s first choice for metal piping applications.

  • What is the best plumbing pipe for cold weather?

    PEX is the best plumbing pipe to use for cold weather, as it is more resistant to freezing water and can expand and contract as necessary with the fluctuations in temperature between seasons.

  • What type of pipe is used for main water lines?

    PEX and CPVC are typically used for piping main water lines. Due to their wide array of applications and their ability to withstand high pressure, they are frequently used for running main lines in housing and commercial applications.

  • Which type of plumbing pipe is best?

    The best type of plumbing pipe is PEX Pipe or Copper Pipe due to its wide application of use, durability, and use of non-toxic materials.

    Read more about the best types of plumbing pipes here!

  • Is PEX safe for drinking water?

    Yes, PEX plumbing pipes are safe for drinking water. Due to the composition of the materials used in PEX pipes, they are frequently used in the same situations as copper plumbing.

Which type of plumbing pipe is best?

Written by Al Coronado on . Posted in Information, Plumbing.

Plumber Tucson fixing pipe on faucet

The best type of plumbing pipe is PEX Pipe or Copper Pipe due to its wide usage, durability, and use of non-toxic materials.

Ever wondered which type of plumbing pipe is best? At Al Coronado, we get asked this question a lot. Since pipes used for plumbing can come in everything from metal to plastic, it’s no wonder why it can be a confusing question – especially for people looking to do their own repairs.

We’ve gone ahead and covered the different types of plumbing pipe below, noting which application each would be best for. This should help you to understand which plumbing pipe is best for your needs.

Plex Plumbing Pipes
Copper Plumbing Pipes
PVC Plumbing Pipes

PEX Plumbing Pipes

One of the newest and biggest innovations in plumbing pipe is PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping. Created in the 1980s but not used until the late 1990s in-home applications, it is considered by many as the best plumbing pipe option.

PEX Piping can be snaked through a house and bent through high-beams or placed around corners in ways no other types of plumbing pipe can be. It requires no adhesive and can withstand freezing conditions better than most other plumbing pipe types (except copper).

In most applications, it is spliced into the existing pipe (including copper), which makes it a viable choice for retrofitting old homes. Furthermore, there is no risk or known issues with using it for the transportation of drinking water, as seen with standard PVC piping.

PEX Piping Uses

– Retrofitting Older Homes
– Can Be Used For The Same Applications As Copper Piping
– In Tight Space Uses Where Corners and Angles May Cause Problems

Copper Plumbing Pipes

For over 60 years copper piping has been the standard go-to in homes. This is due to the durability and lifespan of copper piping. In most scenarios, a copper pipe can handle extreme temperature fluctuation and is resistant to corrosion. Because copper is a solid metal it is safe to use for the transportation of drinking water and will not cause debris. Because of this, copper is typically used in some applications and not others and is considered to be one of the best types of plumbing pipes.

One of the major problems with copper piping, however, is the cost. Copper tends to be one of the most expensive types of plumbing pipes.

Copper Piping Uses

– Drinking-Water
– Refrigerant and Water Lines
– Applications Requiring A Tight Seal
– Service Lines That Run Underground

PVC Plumbing Pipes

Another option for plumbing pipe is PVC (polyvinyl chloride). PVC is most frequently used in homes built after the year 2000. It is versatile and extremely affordable, making it a great option for keeping the cost of repiping down.

PVC is great for home applications since it does not rust or corrode and will not need to be replaced unless it cracks or begins leaking. Another reason to use PVC pipes is that they require no welding or metalwork. Finally, PVC is incredibly durable and will not bend under pressure, making it a great choice for high-pressure water uses.

One of the main drawbacks of PVC piping, however, is that it cannot be used for hot water delivery. When exposed to the extreme heat of hot water temperatures, PVC piping will begin to warp and bend over time. In addition, PVC piping may also degrade or change in structure when it is exposed to UV light for long durations of time. Because of this, it is a great option for indoor and underground piping.

Another important point about PVC: it’s not rated for use with drinking water, due to the toxic levels of certain compounds found in PVC material.

PVC Piping Uses

  • Sink Drain Lines
  • Toilet Drain Lines
  • Shower & Bathtub Drain Lines
  • Main Water Supply Line
  • High-Pressure Application

Another type of PVC pipe is CPVC pipe. CPVC has extra chloride added to its composition, which adds extra durability and will not degrade with liquids. This allows CPVC pipes to be used as a safe option for handling drinking water.

CPVC can be used for the same applications as copper piping but is often considered a better option due to its insulation. This prevents energy loss in hot or cold applications throughout the house. Another added benefit of CPVC is that it’s more pliable than metal tubing, which allows for extra versatility.

CPVC Piping Uses

  • Hot and Cold Water Delivery
  • Drinking-Water Delivery
  • Waste and Water Disposal

The Best Type of Plumbing Pipe: Conclusion

As you can see, there are many types of plumbing pipes, and the use of each type comes down to the application in question. What pipe you choose is largely determined by what the project or job requires. If you have any concerns or questions about which type of plumbing pipe to use in your specific application, we recommend contacting Al Coronado Plumbing. Our technicians are on standby to help you with your home’s needs.

People Also Ask

Q: What is the best plumbing pipe for cold weather?
PEX is the best plumbing pipe to use for cold weather, as it is more resistant to freezing water and can expand and contract as necessary with the fluctuations in temperature between seasons.

Q: What type of pipe is used for main water lines?
A: PEX and CPVC are typically used for piping main water lines. Due to their wide array of applications and their ability to withstand high pressure, they are frequently used for running main lines in housing and commercial applications.

Q: What is the best type of metal to use for water pipes?
A: The best type of metal to use for water piping in your home is copper. Due to its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, it is a plumber’s first choice for metal piping applications

Q: Is PEX safe for drinking water?
A: Yes, PEX plumbing pipes are safe for drinking water. Due to the composition of the materials used in PEX pipes, they are frequently used in the same situations as copper plumbing.

Q: Are plumbing estimates free?
A: Plumbing estimates and on-site quotes should always be free and are really a mandatory requirement for many reasons. You should view any plumbing service that quotes you over the phone with caution since that company will not be able to collect enough information to provide a truly accurate estimate.

Difficult Plumbing Problems You Shouldn’t Try to DIY

Written by Al Coronado on . Posted in Blog Post, Information.

Sometimes, taking a DIY approach can be fun, such as when you’ve decided to build your own birdhouse or paint your own home. But in other cases, a DIY mindset can lead to trouble. There are a lot of difficult plumbing problems that you should never try to fix by yourself. There are two main reasons for this. First, trying to fix your own difficult plumbing problems instead of calling professional plumbers in Tucson may actually make the problem worse. Second, it’s very easy to misdiagnose the source of a plumbing problem. Something that might seem like a simple fix at first blush might actually be indicative of a major underlying problem that definitely requires the attention of a professional.

Plumber working on difficult plumbing problems.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems. With the amount of gunk, hair, soap scum, and other various debris entering the average home’s plumbing system, a clog is bound to happen at some point. A clogged drain might seem fairly easy to fix. Most homeowners will simply buy a chemical drain cleaner and dump it down the drain. Unfortunately, this can do more harm than good, and it may not even fix the problem. Chemical drain cleaners are extremely caustic and toxic. In fact, they will erode the lining of the pipes, which can lead to leaks. It’s also not a great idea to keep these products in your home if you have small children or pets, given the products’ toxicity. Furthermore, if the clogged drain is caused by a sewer line problem, like tree roots growing into the pipe, then the chemical drain cleaner won’t fix it. It’s best to call on reliable plumbers in Tucson to resolve these difficult plumbing problems.

Leaky Faucets and Pipes

Other difficult plumbing problems that you shouldn’t try to DIY include leaky faucets and pipes. Leaky faucets wastewater, while leaky pipes will damage your home. You might assume that you can just replace the washer in a faucet or a U-joint in a pipe. However, these tasks actually require specialty tools to get the job done right. Plus, only an experienced plumber knows how to handle the messy complications that can sometimes arise. Save yourself the hassle and call on a pro instead of trying to deal with these plumbing problems yourself.

Water Heater Issues Can Be Difficult Plumbing Problems

If your water isn’t heating up enough or if it appears discolored, there is a good chance that you have a water heater problem. These appliances are complex, and definitely require the attention of a professional. A professional plumber can accurately diagnose the source of the problem and fix it quickly so your family can continue to enjoy high-quality, properly heated water. Do you have difficult plumbing problems in Tucson or the surrounding areas? Avoid the mess and complications of DIY—just call Al Coronado Plumbing at (520) 337-9082. Our plumbers in Tucson offer a written guarantee on all of our plumbing work for up to five years!

People Also Ask

Q: What is the best type of metal to use for water pipes?

A: The best type of metal to use for water piping in your home is copper. Due to it’s strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, it is a plumber’s first choice for metal piping applications.

Q: What is the best plumbing pipe for cold weather?

A: PEX is the best plumbing pipe to use for cold weather, as it is more resistant to freezing water and can expand and contract as necessary with the fluctuations in temperature between seasons.

Q: What type of pipe is used for main water lines?

A: PEX and CPVC are typically used for piping main water lines. Due to their wide array of applications and their ability to withstand high pressure, they are frequently used for running main lines in housing and commercial applications.

Q: Which type of plumbing pipe is best?
A: The best type of plumbing pipe is PEX Pipe or Copper Pipe due to its wide usage, durability, and use of non-toxic materials.

Read more about the best types of plumbing pipes here!