Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?
- Broken Drain Valves: These cause leaks from the tank’s bottom and are usually fixed by replacing the valve.
Corrosion: Sediment buildup can lead to rust, cracks, and holes in the tank, often requiring a new water heater. - Loose Water Line Connections: Wear and tear can loosen connections, causing leaks. Tightening or replacing the lines usually fixes this issue.
- Broken Temperature/Pressure Valves: These valves regulate the tank’s temperature and pressure. When they fail, they can leak from the sides.
How to Handle a Water Heater Leak
If you find a leak in your water heater, here’s what to do:
- Turn Off the Power:
For Gas Heaters: Find the thermostat and set it to OFF or PILOT to stop the gas.
For Electric Heaters: Go to your breaker box and switch off the breaker labeled “water heater.”
Turn Off the Water Supply:
Locate the cold water line to the heater. Turn the valve on this line to the right to shut off the water. - Drain the Tank:
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater.
Run the hose to a nearby drain.
Open the valve to let the water out. If it’s draining slowly, open a hot water faucet in your home to help the water flow better. It should take about an hour to drain completely.
if you have any problems you can’t solve, contact us and we will do it for you.
