A leaking water heater is the last thing you want to deal with after a long day at work. If you see water on the floor, don’t stress or fret. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the situation, but having a plan in place will make handling the issue easier and prevent further damage.
This article will walk you through the steps to take when your water heater leaks. We’ll cover how to secure your home, diagnose the leak, decide whether to repair or replace, and how to prevent leaks in the future.
Key Takeways:
- Act quickly to clean up the water and secure your home.
- Diagnose the source of the leak to ensure a long-term fix.
- Know when to repair or replace your water heater.
- Fixing the leak will prevent further damage.
- Regular maintenance helps prevent leaks.
- Calling a professional will guarantee you follow the best course of action.
Act Fast: Secure Your Home (Before You Investigate)
Acting quickly is paramount to minimizing damage when dealing with a water heater leak. Before you start investigating the cause, you first need to protect your home.
Turn Off Power
The process for turning off the power to the water heater depends on the unit’s fuel source. If it’s electric, go to the breaker box and turn off the dedicated heater circuit. For gas models, twist the gas valve to OFF.
Refer to the unit’s handbook or get an expert’s assistance if you need help finding the gas valve or breaker.
Shut Off Water to the Heater
Find the valve that turns off the cold water supply; it’s often on top of the water heater. To turn off the water supply, turn it clockwise. Try turning the valve with pliers or a pipe wrench if it’s stuck or difficult to turn; just be careful not to apply too much pressure.
Protect Your Property
When dealing with a leak, you must protect your home’s floors and walls from further damage. You can do this by using towels, buckets or a wet vac to remove any standing water. If you have a drip pan available, place it under the heater to catch water. The longer water stands, the higher the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Pinpoint the Leak: Where Exactly Is the Water Coming From?
Once you secure your home, it’s time to find out where the leak is coming from. Let’s look at the most common places for leaks to occur.
Top of the Water Heater
The top of the water heater likely has inlet and outlet pipes. When these pipes have corrosion, rust or loose fittings, they can leak.
T&P Relief Valve
The T&P valve is responsible for releasing excess pressure inside the tank. Even though this part might leak a bit of water when it releases pressure, it shouldn’t leak constantly. If it does, you might need to replace it.
Drain Valve (Near the Bottom)
As sediment builds up inside the water heater, the drain valve near the bottom may leak. This is a common leak source because the sediment can wear down the valve seal or prevent it from closing.
Internal Tank Leak
Water pooling beneath the water heater is a major red flag for an internal tank leak. This often results from a weakened lining or internal corrosion.
Condensation (Not a Leak!)
It’s quite normal for condensation to build up on the outside of the tank, especially in humid conditions. If you only notice water dripping from the tank when it’s really humid, it’s likely condensation and not a leak.
What the Leak Tells You: Repair or Replace?
Now that you know where the leak is coming from, you must decide whether to repair or replace the water heater. Here are some helpful tips you can use to make the best choice.
Repairable Issues
Many types of leaks are quite easy to fix. For example, leaks caused by loose fittings, a stuck valve or a cracked drain valve cap are all repairable. This means you won’t have to replace the whole unit.
– Average repair cost: $100-$250 (depending on the issue)
– DIY difficulty: Low to moderate (depending on your experience)
Unrepairable or Not Worth Repairing
If the tank itself is the source of the leak, it’s usually best to do a full replacement. Older units (over 10 years) and those with severe corrosion also typically warrant replacement rather than repair.
Bonus: How to Check the Age of Your Water Heater
You can find the model year of your water heater by analyzing the label’s serial number. The process of deciphering the serial number varies among brands. Using specialized resources on the websites of well-known manufacturers like Rheem, A.O. Smith and Bradford White will make the decoding process easier.
How to Fix Each Type of Leak (If You’re a DIYer)
If you’re a DIYer, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix the most common types of leaks.
How to Tighten Loose Fittings Safely
Turn the connection with a wrench until it’s snug to tighten a loose fitting. To avoid causing any damage, be cautious not to overtighten.
Replacing a Faulty T&P Valve
First, turn off the water supply and empty the tank. Then, take out the old valve. Get a replacement valve that fits your model and seal it tightly to prevent any leaks.
Fixing a Leaky Drain Valve
Drain the tank and take out the old valve to replace it in its entirety. Put on a fresh brass cap or valve and make sure it’s tight.
Dealing with a Failing Tank
To empty the tank, connect a hose to the drain valve and point the water’s flow in the direction of an appropriate drainage spot. Once the water drains, turn off the water and electricity to the old unit and take it outside for proper disposal.
If you need a new water heater, consider the following shopping tips:
– Gas vs. Electric: If your home already has a natural gas line, a gas water heater may be more cost-effective long-term. If not, stick with anelectric version.
– Tank vs. Tankless: Opt for a tankless model if you want to save energy or have limited space.
Prevent This From Happening Again
Prevention is key to extending the life of your water heater.
Flush Your Tank Yearly
Flushing the tank yearly will minimize sediment buildup and help the unit operate more efficiently.
Quick 5-step guide for flushing the water heater:
1. Turn off power or gas to heater.
2. Shut cold water supply valve.
3. Attach hose to drain valve.
4. Open valve and flush until water runs clear.
5. Close valve, refill tank, and restore power.
Inspect the Anode Rod
The anode rod has the job of preventing tank corrosion. You should inspect it every one to two years. Look for rust, corrosion and significant wear. If you notice any, go ahead and replace the rod.
Install a Leak Detector or Smart Shut-Off Valve
Prevent expensive water damage by installing a smart shut-off valve or leak detector. You’ll receive an alert as soon as the device notices a leak. Some versions can even automatically turn off the water supply.
When to Call a Professional (And What to Expect)
A DIY approach is not safe for fixing a leaky water heater when cracks appear in the tank or water leaks uncontrollably. In these situations, you’ll need professional help.
When vetting a plumber, make sure to check out their license and insurance status. Reading through reviews will give you a clear view of the company’s response time and customer satisfaction levels. Ideally, you’ll want to hire a plumber that provides emergency services since water heater leaks can happen at the most inconvenient times.
Fixing Water Heater Leaks With Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Gainesville, FL
Benjamin Plumbing is a go-to service provider of water heater repairs and replacements in Gainesville and surrounding areas. We work on water heaters of all types, including tankless models. We’ll quickly find out what’s wrong—whether it’s a leak or no hot water—and make the necessary repairs. Our calm, informed approach can save you thousands of dollars.
FAQ
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about water heater leaks.
Why is my water heater leaking from the bottom?
When a water heater leaks from the bottom, it’s usually due to internal corrosion. A full replacement is typically the best action in this scenario.
Can I use my water heater if it’s leaking?
Using a water heater that leaks can cause water damage and worsen the problem. Turning it off and calling a plumber will prevent further issues.
What causes a water heater to leak?
The most common reasons that water heaters leak are corrosion, loose fittings and faulty T&P valves. Regular maintenance is key to preventing these problems.