What do I do with a leaky water heater?

Water Heaters provide hot water for bathing and cleaning. They are designed to be long-lasting, but even the best can show signs of a leak. If you suspect your water heater is leaking, the best way to protect your home from serious damage is to follow these simple steps. 

 

First steps to take

• Determine leak source if possible

• Turn off the gas or electric power

• Turn off the water supply

• Drain the water heater if possible

 

Determine the Leak Source

A puddle at the base of your hot water heater may indicate that it is leaking internally. Check nearby furnace condensate drain lines, water softener discharge lines, and other plumbing that might be connected near your water heater and could be leaking instead of the water heater itself.

 

Determining the source of the leak

• Dry the area and look for any obvious signs of leakage.

• Remember the law of gravity. If unable to find the leak at first glance, look up. The water may come from a pipe or area directly above the puddle.

• Check the pooled area periodically for signs of the leak. Paper towels or a rag should be placed to catch the drips.

• If the problem does not reappear in the next couple of days, there is nothing to be concerned about.

• If water continues to pool, a leak is most likely the culprit.

 

Turn Off the Power

Before performing any maintenance, turn off the power to your water heater. If you have an electric water heater, locate the circuit breaker and switch off the breaker marked water heater. Water and electricity are a deadly combination, so turning off the power is critical. On the other hand, a gas water heater has a dial on the tank's exterior called a gas control valve. Make sure it is turned off before proceeding. Avoid closing the gas shut-off valve if possible. These valves can be finicky and susceptible to failure over time.

 

Turn Off the Water Supply

Turn off the water supply at the cold water shut-off valve for evident and significant leaks. Most water heaters will have a valve at the top of the unit. The cold water shut-off valve will either have a 1/4-turn handle (ball valve) or a screw handle (gate valve). DO NOT close the valve if you can not reach it safely without coming in contact with water. Larger leaks that disable you from reaching the shut-off valve safely will require you to locate your main water shut-off valve to your home. You may need to turn this back on later if you have difficulty finding the leak. Shutting off the water to your entire home should stop the leak entirely or at least slow it down.

 

Determine the Location of the Leak

Leaks can be caused by numerous problems. Inspecting and determining the leak location is not always readily apparent. Some of these repairs are reasonable and can be performed on your own, but we do not recommend them. Calling a professional from Water Heater Pros at 916-344-4500 can relieve stress and uncertainty with a quick consultation.

 

Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve

The temperature and pressure emergency relief valve (T&P valve) does exactly what you think it does. When the water in the tank becomes too hot, or an excessive amount of pressure builds, this T&P valve releases some water out of the tank to relieve the pressure stress. To locate the T&P valve, look for a brass device with a metal tag sticking out of it and a pipe connected to it, usually found at or near the top or upper side of the water heater.  

First, inspect where the T&P valve enters the tank for signs of a leak. 

 

Check the Drain Valve

Check the drain valve, located near the bottom of the tank, for any signs of moisture. When completely closed, it should be watertight.

 

The Internal Tank Leak

Inside a water heater's outer shell is an internal tank wrapped in insulation. You won't see if the internal tank leaks visibly, but water escaping from the bottom of the water heater is a good indicator. Unfortunately, there is no fix for an internal tank leak; you will have to replace the entire unit. A leaking internal tank is a reasonably common issue. It is usually caused by ordinary age and deterioration.

 

Drain Your Water Heater

If your leak is severe, you may want to drain it immediately to prevent water damage to your home. 

• Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Run the other end of the hose to a proper location, such as a floor drain or outside. Do not drain the water onto your lawn or driveway. Sediments and rust within the water will damage your lawn or driveway.

• Make sure the water valve above the tank is turned off.

• Open the valve where the hose is attached.

• Open the pressure T&P relief valve on the top of the tank for venting.

• Allow the water to drain from the tank; this may take up to two hours.

 

Repair or Replace

We can help you with this; call Us at 916-344-4500