Today, water heaters are essential to living comfortably at home. That’s why it’s easy to panic when you notice your water heater leaking and can’t immediately find the source of the leak. Understandably, you may be at a loss with how to deal with a leaking water heater.
The best way to deal with a leaking water heater is to carefully inspect the top and bottom of the unit. Shut off the water supply and power to the unit and drain the tank so you can get as close as possible. Pay special attention to the valves and pipe connections, and check the top and bottom of the unit for leaks.
Don’t attempt to drain your water heater tank if you don’t have somewhere to safely empty the water. Otherwise, you may make the problem worse and cause water damage. Follow along as we explore how to deal with a leaking water heater.
What to Do When Your Water Heater is Leaking
1. Look for the Source
Water heaters can leak from the top and bottom, and determining where the leak started is easy. Keep in mind that visible water doesn’t always mean there is a leak. For example, a small amount of water near the bottom may be due to condensation.
Check the pressure relief valve at the top of your water heater to see if it’s leaking. Next, inspect the cold and hot water outlet and inlet connections. Carefully check the pipe fittings for leaks and loose connections as well to find the source of the leak.
2. Shut Off the Water and Water Heater
You can’t fix the leak if water is still running to your water heater. Locate the shut-off valve in or near the water heater closet or near the top of the unit. However, you may need to shut off the main water valve if the leak is too severe.
This may be necessary if you can’t access your water heater shut-off valve because of excessive water. The main shut-off valve is likely on the wall where the water line runs to your home. Turn the valve clockwise with a wrench or by hand until the water shuts off.
Next, you must shut off the water heater’s power. Flip the switch on the circuit breaker if you have an electric unit. Otherwise, you can set the water heater’s thermostat to “pilot” to shut off a gas unit.
3. Drain It
While you may want help from a professional, you can drain a water heater with a little patience and knowledge. First, you must run several faucet taps throughout your home. Next, attach a hose to the drain valve and run the hose to a bucket, floor drain, or your yard.
Otherwise, you will make a huge mess and may cause water damage. Now, you must open the drain valve and let it drain until the tank is empty. Remove the hose and close the drain valve once it’s empty.
4. Inspect the Unit
Now, you can safely inspect the unit without making a mess. Inspect the tank for cracks, holes, and signs of corrosion. Manually remove excess sediment as needed as it can damage the tank over time.
Next, inspect the hot water outlet and cold water inlet connections, and tighten them as needed. You may need to call a plumber if the pressure relief valve is damaged. It can be difficult and you must replace it with the right part to ensure a perfect fit.
Carefully check the pipes that run to your water heater tank. There’s a chance that they’re responsible for the leak if they’re heavily corroded. Replacing corroded pipe fittings is essential as they can cause huge leaks that lead to thousands of dollars in repairs.
5. Call for Help
It’s worth calling a plumber if you have no experience with water heater maintenance. For example, failure to properly drain your water heater tank can cause a huge leak or flood. That’s especially true if you don’t shut off the water supply.
You also risk damaging the tank, valves, and pipe fittings if you don’t properly inspect and adjust them. There’s a chance that your water heater is beyond repair if there is a severe leak. However, that’s hard to determine if you aren’t familiar with your water heater’s parts and how they should look.
Don’t Panic When Your Water Heater Leaks
A leaking water heater can be a serious problem, but you don’t need to panic. We are always here to answer your calls whether it be for routine water heater maintenance or an emergency repair. Our team has years of experience installing and repairing electric and gas water heaters.This lets us quickly find the route of leaks and repair them as needed. This can save you a small fortune on water damage that can occur due to extreme leaks and burst water heater tanks. Call Queen B Plumbing at (908) 633-1333 if you notice your water heater leaking.
