Learn How to Fix a Leaking Water Heater
A water heater is an essential piece of equipment in your home that provides comfort. Thanks to the one who made it, we won’t freeze from the cold water in winter. Though a water heater can last long, it can get broken and lead to a leaking water heater.
A leak from your water heater might seem little and in most cases, the leak is normally ignored. But your leaking water heater can cause water damage to your wall, flooring, and sub-flooring. Don’t wait for the water heater to cause catastrophe to your home. Act fast.
Why Is There A Leak From Your Water Heater
There are many reasons why your water heater starts leaking, and knowing what is causing your water heater to leak can help you resolve the issue right away. A water heater can leak for several reasons.
1. Loose Drain Valve
A loose drain valve is the most common reason why your water heater is leaking. This problem can be fixed by tightening the valve with a wrench. Be careful not to overtighten the drain and not to force it to get tightened.
2. High Pressure
When the tank builds up high pressure inside, your water heater might start to leak. To lessen the pressure inside the tank, the excess pressure will drive the water to leak out. This happens when you set a high temperature on hot water. Fixing this problem can be very risky. So, call a professional to properly check and resolve the issue.
3. Aging Tank
A water heater, when it comes to the end of its life cycle, can become rusted and corroded. When corrosion takes its toll, the water will begin to leak from the tank. In this case, your water heater needs to be replaced immediately, or else you will end up seeing water flooding through your home.
4. Storage Tank is Cracked
The minerals from the water can get hardened and become accumulated inside the storage tank. This is the reason why the glass lining (inside your storage tank) gets cracked and causing a water leak. Another reason that your storage tank gets cracked is the expansion in the glass lining. Glass lining expanded when water is heated.
Unfortunately, the glass lining inside your tank cannot be repaired. Your only solution is to replace your water heater.
Now, What To Do When Your Water Heater Starts Leaking?
It is important to take immediate action with a leaking water heater. Doing so can help you save money from excessive water damage repairs and can keep you and your family safe from all the damage water can bring to your home, including mold and mildew growth.
1. Turn off the water supply valve
If you notice a leak from your water heater, the first thing that you have to do is to turn off the water supply valve. In most water heaters, the valve is located above the water heater.
If the leak is extreme, then you might need to turn off the main shut-off valve. Turning off the main water valve will stop the water from coming into your entire home.
If you are still unsure of the location of the leak, you should turn on the water supply again.
2. Turn off the Power supply of your Water Heater
A water heater comes in two forms, an electric water heater, and a gas water heater.
If you are using an electric water heater, you can turn off its power supply by shutting down the power at the breaker. Flip off the breaker.
If you are dealing with a gas water heater, you should find an on/off switch or a dial on the gas line leading to the tank. Set it off. If you are having difficulty finding the button, you may check the manuals for its visual illustration of a gas water heater shut-off valve.
3. Determine the location of the leak
Now that you have turned off the water and power supply, you can now assess the location of the leak. Here are some of the locations you can check in your water heater
- Inlet and Outlet connections – check whether the fittings are loose or not. If they are, tighten it with a pipe wrench.
- Check the pressure relief valve
- Inspect the bottom of your water heater
- Check the drain valve
4. Repair or replace
A leaking water heater is a serious problem and needs to be resolved immediately. Remember that your water heater comes with pressure and hot water, which are extremely dangerous. You may opt to repair or replace the problem on your own, but it is still best to call a professional in fixing the problem.
What if Water Heater Has Damaged Your Home?
If you have water damage issues due to a leaking water heater, it is highly recommended to seek a certified water damage restoration company.
We, at Superior Restoration, can help you with leaking water heater issues. A team of well-trained and experienced professionals will help you with your needs. We understand the danger water damage can bring to you, your family, and your home. You can trust us. Call us now.
