Water Heater Sprung a Leak? 5 Things You Need to Do Right Away!

September 12, 2016

If the water heater is leaking in your Bay Area home, there’s a lot more at stake than just your comfort. Even a minor leak can turn into a serious issue if it goes unnoticed, causing major water damage and potential flooding in your home. If you suspect your water heater has sprung a leak, the plumbers at Service Champions have tips on how to handle it, including what to do right away to keep you safe and prevent further damage. 

Immediate Safety Precautions for a Leaking Water Heater

Some Alameda County areas have hard water, making water heater tank leaks more prevalent and something to monitor. It’s important to take immediate safety precautions if you have a water heater tank leak.

• First, you need to know how to turn off a leaking water heater.
  • Shut off the power to your water heater.
• If the Water Heater uses natural gas, turn off the gas to avoid electrical shock or a possible gas-related fire hazard.
• Next, shut off the water supply to the water heater 
  • Or, turn off the main water supply to your home before addressing the leak.

How To Locate and Turn Off the Power and Gas Supply

When your water heater is leaking, turn off the power and/or gas supply before going further. Locate your home’s main electrical panel, open it, and find the circuit breaker for the water heater, which should be clearly labeled. Once you find the breaker, flip it to the off position.

If you have a gas water heater, make sure the gas control knob is set to the “off” position. This knob should be located on the front of the tank, usually near the bottom. Only close the gas shut-off valve if you’re familiar with the system. 

The Process of Shutting Off the Main Water Valve

You can leave the water supply on if you haven’t found the exact source of the leak, or if the leak isn’t too extreme. For more serious leaks, locate the emergency water heater shut-off and turn off the cold water supply at the valve, which is a handle or dial located above the heater. Either pull the valve or handle down, or turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply. If you can’t reach the shut-off valve or handle without touching the leak, turn your home’s main water supply valve off instead.

Draining the Water Heater Tank To Prevent Flood Damage

Now that the power, gas, and water are turned off, drain the water heater tank to prevent flood damage. First, let the water sit in the tank and cool down for a few hours to prevent scalding. Locate the drain valve near the bottom of your tank and attach a garden hose to it, directing the other end to the outside or a floor drain.

Open the drain valve counterclockwise and open a hot water faucet inside your house to break the vacuum and speed up the draining process. Allow your water heater tank to empty, which typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour. 

Identifying the Source of the Leak

Identifying the source of the leak helps to speed things up before you contact the certified plumbers at Service Champions for leaking water heater repair:

• Check the cold-water inlet and hot-water outlet and their connections — simply tightening them could fix a minor leak.
• If there’s water flowing through the pipe when your pressure and temperature relief valves are closed, you may need water heater repair.
• Inspect the drain valve to confirm that it closes completely and make sure that the point where it enters the tank is watertight.
• Many leaks are caused by old or damaged tanks, so check the base and look for water coming out of the bottom, which may indicate an internal leak.

Checking the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

A leaking water heater pressure relief valve is usually a sign of excessively high temperatures, a faulty valve, or too much pressure in the tank. To check it, lift the valve lever to flush out any sediment that could prevent it from sealing properly. If it’s still dripping, your expansion tank may have lost its air charge or failed.

Confirm that your water heater thermostat isn’t set any higher than 120° to 140° maximum. If the valve continues to leak after following these steps, it’s likely faulty and should be replaced by a professional plumber. 

Signs Your Water Heater Has Failed

In some cases, water heater leaks are easily repaired, while other leaks may require full replacement. Homeowners should look for these signs of water heater failure:

• Condensation near your tank is normal and should disappear when the heater is on, while constant leaks or growing puddles indicate a major tank issue that could require replacement.
• A water heater leaking from the top is typically repairable and often caused by a faulty temperature and pressure relief valve, corroded connections, or loose cold/hot water fittings.
• Rusty-colored hot water or visible corrosion near the base are signs that your tank has rusted through and should be replaced.
• A water heater leaking from the bottom is a common sign of a failed tank due to excess corrosion and usually requires replacement immediately. It might also be due to a faulty heating element, which is fairly easy to repair or replace.

Why You Should Avoid Touching Standing Water Near Electric Units

Touching standing water near an electric unit is extremely dangerous. Water acts as a conductor, turning a puddle into an electrified path that poses a serious risk of electric shock or electrocution. Standing water directly connects you to the water heater’s high-voltage electrical component, so touching it should always be avoided.

Preventing Mold and Damage From Water Exposure Due to a Leak

A water heater leak can leave your home exposed to significant water damage, resulting in mold growth and further damage that can worsen if not addressed immediately. Here’s how you can prevent mold and protect your home during and after a water heater leak:

• Use a wet/dry vacuum, mop, and towels to remove standing water.
• Remove wet insulation and cut away moist drywall as soon as possible to stop mold growth.
• Open your windows and use fans and dehumidifiers to help things dry faster.
  
• Scrub hard surfaces with a solution of hot water and detergent, and disinfect them with white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or a bleach solution.
• Inspect areas behind your walls, under the floors, and underneath nearby appliances to confirm that no water has entered these spaces.

Let Service Champions Help Secure Your Home

Choose Service Champions for heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, insulation, and ductwork across the Sacramento area, South Bay, Concord, and the East Bay.

Contact Service Champions today!