As a homeowner, you’re often required to be a jack of all trades, especially when it comes to maintaining the comfort systems in your home. One area where a bit of extra knowledge can go a long way is plumbing, particularly understanding how your hot water heater operates.
While these systems are designed to provide you with a steady supply of hot water, water heaters aren’t without their issues — chief among them being the possibility of leaks. Tank water heaters, whether gas or electric, are susceptible to leaks, and knowing what to do when your unit springs a leak can save you from unnecessary stress and damage.
Steps to Take When Your Water Heater Is Leaking
If your water heater starts leaking, the first thing to do is stay calm. Leaks are common and often manageable if you act quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to turn off your water heater and handle the situation effectively:
1. Turn Off the Power Source
When you discover that your hot water heater is leaking, the first step is to turn off the power supply to your water heater to avoid any risk of electrical shock or further damage. If you have an electric water heater, locate the circuit breaker panel in your home and flip the switch so that the water heater is set to the “off” position. For a gas water heater, you should find the on/off dial on the unit and turn it to “off.” This will cut off the gas supply.
2. Turn Off the Water Supply
Next, you need to turn off the water supply. This will prevent more water from flooding into the tank and leaking out.
Locate the cold water supply pipe connected to your water heater, and find the shut-off valve. Usually, this valve is located at the top of the water heater tank. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the flow of water into the tank. If the shut-off valve is difficult to turn or isn’t functioning properly, it’s a good idea to call a professional plumber immediately.
3. Find the Source of the Leak
Once the water and power are turned off, it’s time to find the source of the leak. Water heater leaks can occur in several places, including the drain valve, the temperature pressure relief valve, or the tank itself.
If the leak is coming from the drain valve, it might be a simple fix, as these valves can often be tightened or replaced. If it’s the temperature pressure relief valve, the issue might be due to excessive pressure in the tank. However, if the water heater tank itself is leaking, it’s likely time for a replacement, as tank leaks are often a sign of corrosion inside the unit.
4. Drain the Water Heater (If Necessary)
If you’ve identified the leak and it’s significant, you might need to drain the tank to prevent water damage to your home. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank, direct the other end of the hose to a safe drainage area, and open the valve. If you’re not comfortable performing this task yourself, you can have your local plumber do it for you.
5. Call a Professional Plumber
While some minor water heater leaks can be fixed by a handy homeowner, most require the expertise of a qualified plumber. If your water heater is leaking and you’re unsure of how to proceed, or if you’ve identified that the leak is coming from the tank itself, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Skagit Plumbing has extensive experience in handling water heater leaks and can quickly diagnose and repair the issue. Whether it’s a simple valve replacement or a complete water heater replacement, our team is here to help you get your hot water system back in working order.
Prevent Future Leaks With Regular Maintenance
To avoid future water heater leaks, it’s important to schedule routine maintenance for your system. Water heater maintenance includes checking the temperature pressure relief valve, inspecting the drain valve, evaluating the condition of the anode rod, and ensuring the water heater is clean and free of sediment. The thorough inspection by a professional plumber ensures you catch potential issues early so you can extend the life of your water heater and reduce the risk of unexpected leaks.
Don’t Let a Leaky Water Heater Ruin Your Day — Call Skagit Plumbing Today!
A leaky water heater can create quite a stressful situation, but with the right steps, you can minimize damage and get your hot water back up and running in no time. If you’re dealing with water heater leaks, don’t hesitate to contact Skagit Plumbing. Our skilled technicians are ready to help with all your plumbing needs. Call us today to schedule a water heater repair or maintenance appointment.
