Neglecting to fix a water heater leak in a timely manner can result in costly repairs. Immediate action is key to reducing hazards and repair expenses. There are several steps you can take to ensure you fix the problem without causing further damage.
1. Turn Off the Power Supply
You must disconnect the water heater’s power source before inspecting or repairing it. If your water heater is electric, you can turn it off by finding the breaker panel and turning off the breaker that is specifically for it. To switch off the gas supply to your water heater, locate the valve that is close to the appliance and turn it to the “off” position. This is to make sure that no one gets shocked or gas escapes during the inspection and repair processes.
2. Shut Off the Water Supply
The next step is to turn off the water supply to the water heater. Find the pipe that goes into the water heater for cold water. This pipe should have a valve — usually a knob or lever — that you can turn clockwise to close. The valve will cut off the tank’s water supply, preventing any further leaks and protecting your house from damage.
3. Inspect the Leak Source
Look for obvious indications of water gathering or dripping around the tank. Verify that the intake and exit pipes, pressure relief valves, drain valves, and connections at the top and bottom of the tank are in good working order. To know where the leak is coming from, check the tank for signs of rust, corrosion, or cracks.
If you need to check places that aren’t immediately obvious, you can use a flashlight. Make a mental note of the leak’s precise location and approximate size; this will come in handy when you call a plumber or bring up the matter with a repairman.
4. Assess Any Damage
The next step is to inspect the area for any leak-related damage. You can start by looking for any signs of water damage in the vicinity of the water heater. Keep an eye out for structural damage, such as water pools on the floor or adjoining walls or cabinets as well as any indications of moisture.
Floors, drywall, and other surrounding structures might sustain water damage if the leak persists for an extended period. Mold and mildew formation, caused by an excess of moisture due to leaks, can be a health risk and necessitate quick action to eliminate it. Metal parts near the water heater, like pipes and fittings, are susceptible to corrosion if water leaks into them. If water gets into an electric water heater’s electrical parts or wiring, it could cause electrical failures.
To avoid more damage and mold growth, remove standing water using towels or a wet/dry vacuum. When filing an insurance claim, it’s important to document the damage with photographs, particularly if the damage leads to expensive repairs.
5. Call a Professional Plumber
Calling a skilled plumber is an important next step after assessing the damage. Only qualified plumbers can safely locate the leak’s origin and make any required repairs or replacements. They can also check the water heater for any problems, like worn seals or corroded fittings, that could have caused the leak.
Because fixing a water heater can include working with gas lines or electrical connections, among other potentially dangerous scenarios, it is vital to call a plumber. You risk more harm or injury if you try to fix it yourself without the right information and equipment.
6. Look for Signs of Cracked or Damaged Pipes
Cracks in the pipes that lead to the water heater can form as a result of physical damage, corrosion, or the passage of time. The water heater and the areas around it are both at risk of water damage from leaks caused by these fissures. To find leaks, a plumber will look for visual indications of water, rust, or discoloration in the pipes and fittings.
7. Drain the Water Heater
To properly inspect all of the components of the water heater, the plumber must drain the device. In addition to clearing away any sediment or debris that may have settled on the tank bottom, this procedure also makes it easier to inspect the inlet and outlet connections, valves, and other plumbing components.
8. Check the Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve
Our plumbers will take their time checking the TPR valve, which is there to let water out if the tank gets too hot or too pressurized. The water heater could burst or leak if the TPR valve isn’t working properly, which would cause the pressure to build up to dangerous levels. If plumbers find that this valve is the source of the leak, they may need to replace it.
9. Inspect the Tank for Corrosion
Water heaters are prone to corrosion, which is more common in areas with hard water or older models. Our plumbers will look for corrosion indicators, such as rust or pitting, on both the inside and outside of the tank. If not addressed, corrosion will weaken the tank’s construction, which increases the risk of leakage. Plumbers can solve corrosion issues with hot water heaters by replacing corroded parts, installing a sacrificial anode rod, applying corrosion inhibitors, or using a specialized epoxy compound to patch small holes or cracks caused by corrosion.
10. Evaluate the Inlet and Outlet Connections
Our plumbers will check the water heater’s intake and outlet connections thoroughly. Pipes, fittings, and valves make up these connections, which transfer cold water to the tank and hot water to various parts of the house. A leak can be the result of a defective seal at one of these connections or a loose fitting. Our plumbers will tighten or replace all connections to ensure they are tight and leak-free.
11. Clean up the Affected Area
Our plumbers will remove any standing water or other debris after fixing or replacing the water heater’s components. This entails removing any remaining moisture or mold from the damaged areas and drying them thoroughly.
12. Consider Preventive Maintenance
To keep your water heater from leaking, you can do several preventative maintenance tasks. The first thing you should do is check the area surrounding the water heater for corrosion and leaks on a regular basis. Flushing the tank periodically can help eliminate any sediment buildup that leads to corrosion, leaks, and inefficiency. To keep the tank interior free of corrosion, you’ll also need to have a plumber change the sacrificial anode rod periodically. You’ll find it much easier to catch leaks before they get worse if you have a qualified plumber come out once a year for an inspection.
If you’re dealing with a hot water heater leak in Jacksonville, FL, Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help. We specialize in HVAC maintenance, heat pump installations, air quality solutions, drain cleaning, pipe repair, air duct cleaning, HVAC zoning and so much more. Book a water heater services appointment today if you need help fixing a water heater leak.