A leaking water heater is sometimes just an inconvenience. Sometimes, it can be the cause of significant damage to a home. Homeowners can understand what to do if their water heater springs a leak by reading on.
DETERMINE IF IT’S CONDENSATION OR A LEAK
The amount of damage a leaking water heater can cause could be costly. Homeowners should realize that even if the water heater is in an appropriate location, such as the garage, there are still precautions they can take to prevent damage to the home.
A small puddle of water at the base of the heater could be condensation. The water inside a water heater is generally heated between 125 and 170 degrees at its highest setting, and condensation can occur when it’s cold outside.
Soak up the puddle of water, wipe the outside of the unit with paper towels from the top down, and then watch for any visible leaks. If none immediately appear, periodically check to see if the puddle reappears over the next few days. If there is none, it’s likely condensation and not a concern.
However, if the pool of water returns, water is visibly leaking from the tank or other location on the heater; the problem could be due to something as minor as a slightly open drain valve, faulty plumbing connections, or something as severe as a corroded tank.
FIRST STEPS AFTER DETERMINING THERE IS A LEAK
Before doing anything else, turn off the power source. Water and electricity are not a good combination, and bad things can happen when they mix. Flip the circuit breaker that powers the water heater, or shut off the main breaker if the circuit breakers aren’t labeled.
Water heaters powered by natural gas can also be dangerous, so turn the gas supply valve clockwise until it stops. The valve will be perpendicular to the gas line.
After turning off the power, turn off the water source. Turn the knob or wheel next to the cold water inlet valve clockwise until it stops, or turn the straight ball valve handle 90 degrees until perpendicular to the water pipe.
THE MOST COMMON SOURCES OF LEAKS
There are several reasons water heaters leak.
The problem may be due to debris inside the pressure relief valve or the water heater drain valve. To most, it will appear like water is leaking out of the bottom of the tank. To address these issues, put a bowl or bucket under the overflow tube or the drain valve, open the valve, and flush out anything plugging up the pipe.
If there is a leak at a valve connection, such as around the pressure relief valve, cold water inlet, or hot water outlet pipes, tighten or wrap Teflon tape around the connection point into the tank. This widespread area will make it appear like a leak from the top of the tank.
Another issue is too much pressure built up inside the tank. If this abundance of pressure is not correctly released, it could cause the tank to explode. Homeowners concerned that this may be the case should shut everything off and call a licensed plumber for assistance.
Water Heater Pros provides water heater installation and replacement services for Las Vegas and surrounding area residents and businesses. Our expert technicians install both traditional and tankless water heaters for homes and other buildings with gas or electric service. We offer the highest quality installers for efficient, versatile water heaters such as Rheem. Ruud, high-efficiency tankless Navien units, and more. Ask about our installation specials.