What to Do When Your Hot Water Heater Leaks
Water heaters, whether gas or electric, will last you about 10 to 12 years if you take good care of them.
Even so, there’s always a chance your water heater could leak. If it does, the good news is that most small water heater leaks can be repaired easily.
And the best part?
There are a few things you can do before you call a plumber.
Why and where is my water heater tank leaking?
Loose water line connections: Normal wear and tear can loosen the inlet or outlet water lines (the top of water heater tank) causing leaks. This problem can usually be fixed by tightening or replacing the loose, worn water lines.
Broken drain valves: These will cause water leaks from the bottom of the tank. They’re easily fixed by replacing the broken drain valve.
Broken temperature/pressure valves: As their name suggests, these valves monitor and regulate the temperature and pressure inside water heaters. When they break, they can cause water leaks from the sides of a water heater tank.
Corrosion: Sediment buildup can cause corrosion, cracking, and holes in the bottom of the tank. When this happens, it’s usually time for water heater replacement. Annual flushing can prevent sediments buildup and get better efficiency of water heater.
Of course, various other things can cause water heater leaks—and, sometimes, these leaks are the result of multiple issues. The best way to determine what’s causing your water heater leak and get the best solution for fixing it is by contacting a professional, like the trusted plumbers at SKRT Plumbing and Heating Ltd.
What to do when you discover a leak
If your water heater is leaking,
Cut the power: This is the very first thing you should do when you see a water leak.
Shut off the water: Turn off the water by finding the cold water supply line to your water heater. There should be a shut off valve on the cold water line. This will cut off the water and stop supplying water to the tank.
Drain the water tank: If you have a tank (standard) water heater, draining your water heater is the most essential step. To drain your water heater tank:
Find the drain valve near the bottom of your water heater and attach a garden hose to it.
Run the hose to a floor drain or sump pit.
With the hose in place, open the drain valve.
Open any faucet towards “hot” to let the air into the system and the tank to drain faster.
Once you establish a good flow, the whole tank should drain in about an hour.
If the water heater is drained completely, contact SKRT Plumber for water heater repair service.
We’ll find the causes of the water heater leak and take care of it quickly.