Leaking Water Heater? Don’t Panic—Here’s What to Do First

Safety First

When dealing with a leaking water heater, you’ll be working with a hazardous unit, so the very first thing you should do is to turn off the circuit breaker or safety switch for the water heater. Also, if the water is present next to any electric cables, make sure to turn off the electricity as well, as it can shock you. Finally, turn off the main water supply to prevent more leaking.

Root of the Leak

While some leaks are simple fixes, others can necessitate a complete water heater replacement. Now that you’ve taken anything safety-wise under control, you may try to understand the origin of the leak and the reasons behind this. Leak detection will help you determine what the precise issue is. If the leak is at the top of the heater, the most common cause is generally loose connections at the water input, which can typically be fixed by using a wrench to tighten the pipes. If the leak is from the side, a problem with the pressure relief valve can be the issue, and water heater replacement might be necessary. If the leak is at the bottom, most likely it is caused by an issue regarding the drain valve, which is normally a feature that is used to empty the tank in the necessary conditions. Sometimes this valve can get loose or damaged, causing a leak. If it’s due to a loose valve, the solution can be as simple as tightening it.

Call a Professional Plumber

As much as trying to solve the issue through DIY methods may sound easy and tempting, when it comes to fixing appliances that especially work with electricity and heat, things can get really dangerous and messy very fast. So, under all circumstances, issues like water heater repairs caused by leaks should always be fixed by professionals. They will be able to quickly inspect all the components of the heater and find the cause of the problem. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need heater repair or replacement.

Professional Approach

Like we mentioned, a leaking water heater doesn’t immediately mean disaster. By addressing the issue in a calm and planned manner, you’ll be able to both reduce the damage and quickly resume using your hot water. Contacting a professional plumbing company simultaneously is the most important step. So if you discover a leak, don’t hesitate to give a call to the plumbers of Mr. Rooter Plumbing and schedule your appointment. We offer a wide range of plumbing services that are specialized for your needs.