Discovering a leak in your hot water heater can be a stressful situation. When water is pooling at your feet or leaking from the sides of the tank, it can be difficult to think straight. Don’t worry, we are here to help
Before you even call the plumber to find the source of the leak and fix the problem, there are a few simple things you can do to prevent any further damage from occurring.
What to do if your water heater tank is leaking:
- First, turn off the power source to the hot water heater. This is either located on the hot water heater itself for a gas water heater (turn the switch to “OFF” or “Pilot”) or on the breaker box for an electric water heater.
- Once the tank is powered off, turn off the water to prevent any additional damage. This can be done by locating the source of the water, usually via a valve on the cold water line leading to the tank.
- Finally, once those steps are completed, prepare to drain the water tank itself. This can be an intricate process, so be sure to follow directions carefully.
- Attach a garden hose to the drain valve (located near the bottom of the tank) and run the hose to the nearest sump pump pit or floor drain.
- Open the drain valve to allow the water to flow out of the tank.
- If the water doesn’t flow freely, you might need to break the vacuum system within the hot water heater. To do this, simply turn on any hot water in your home.
- When your tank is empty, keep the system powered off and contact a professional to get things back up and running again.
Water heater repair and replacement
If your water heater is leaking, there may be a simple fix. However, if the unit is old or the interior of the tank is corroded from minerals and sediment, you may be better off replacing the unit.
For water heater expertise in New Haven or Fairfield County, be sure to call Rick’s Plumbing. Our experienced plumbers will have your water heater up and running in no time. To schedule an appointment, dial (203) 874-6629 today.