What to Do When Your Hot Water Heater Leaks

Water heaters typically have a long lifespan, especially with routine maintenance. Still, encountering issues with this appliance along the way is not always avoidable. One of the most common water heater problems is leaks. When this happens, here’s what you need to do: 

Detect the Leak

One of the first things you should do is determine the location of the hot water heater leak. Specific areas on your unit are more prone to leaking, including those close to other plumbing pipes and drains, so it’s best to inspect them first. This includes the following:

• Drain Valve: This valve is located at the bottom of the tank and is used for draining water when cleaning the heater. A leak here may indicate loose or damaged fittings that need tightening or replacement.
• Temperature and Pressure (T&P) Release Valve: The T&P valve allows steam to escape your machine, ensuring stable temperatures. When this element malfunctions, it can cause high pressures, resulting in water leaking from your tank. You can find this valve on the top or side of the heater.
• Inlet and Outlet Connections: These components at the top of your tank allow cold water to enter the unit and hot water to exit. These connections can loosen overtime, causing leaks.

Disconnect the Power Supply

It’s best to disconnect your water heater’s power supply at the sign of a leak. Either turn off the gas if you have a gas heater or the circuit breaker if you have an electric one. Doing so ensures your safety while troubleshooting.

Shut Off the Water Supply

Leaving the water running is fine if you’re dealing with a minor leak, as it’ll also help you detect the exact location of the problem. But if it’s a more severe case, turning off your water supply is ideal. You can do this using the shut-off valve, typically found on top of the tank.

Call a Professional

While there may be ways to fix a hot water heater leak on your own, it can be risky, especially if you can’t detect the problem’s exact cause. Besides worsening the leak and costing you more in repairs or replacements, taking the DIY route also comes with safety hazards. Hiring a professional for water heater services ensures efficient solutions that will save you time, money, and effort.

A leaking water heater can wreak havoc on your home, so it’s crucial to learn what to do should you encounter this issue. Contact NorthStar Plumbing and Drain Cleaning in Fargo, ND for trusted water heater repair and maintenance.