Discovering water around your water heater can be alarming. Even a small leak shouldn’t be ignored because it can lead to water damage and may indicate that a valve, plumbing connection, or the water heater itself is failing.
If your water heater is leaking, acting quickly can help limit the damage. Here’s what you should do and how to determine when it’s time to call a professional.
Water near your water heater doesn’t always mean the tank itself is leaking. Several components and plumbing connections can allow water to escape.
Possible sources include:
Look around the unit for visible dripping, moisture, or pooling water, but don’t disassemble components or attempt repairs if you’re unsure of the source.
If water appears to be coming directly through the tank itself, the water heater may need to be replaced rather than repaired.
If the leak is significant or water is actively pooling around the unit, shutting off the water supply can help limit further damage.
Most water heaters have a cold-water shutoff valve on the incoming water line. Closing this valve stops additional water from entering the tank.
If you can’t safely locate or operate the valve—or the leak is severe—shutting off your home’s main water supply may be necessary until a plumber arrives.
A leaking water heater can create additional hazards when water reaches electrical components or other equipment.
For an electric water heater, power can typically be shut off at the appropriate circuit breaker. However, do not approach electrical equipment if you must stand in water or if there is any concern about electrical contact with the leak.
Gas water heaters require different shutdown procedures. If you smell gas, leave the area and follow appropriate emergency procedures rather than attempting to diagnose or repair the water heater yourself.
When you’re unsure how to safely shut down the equipment, contact a professional.
The temperature and pressure relief valve is an important safety component. It is designed to release water if temperature or pressure inside the tank reaches unsafe levels.
Occasional discharge or continuous leaking from this area should not simply be plugged or capped.
A plumber can determine whether the valve itself has failed or whether another problem is causing excessive temperature or pressure inside the system.
Not every water heater leak means you need a new unit.
A leak from a plumbing connection, drain valve, or another replaceable component may be repairable. That’s why having the source properly diagnosed is important.
If you’re experiencing a leak but the tank is otherwise in good condition, Ehret Inc. can inspect and repair your water heater and determine what is causing the problem.
Unfortunately, a leaking water heater tank generally isn’t something that can be permanently repaired.
Corrosion can eventually weaken the tank and allow water to escape. Once the tank itself has deteriorated, replacing the water heater is usually the appropriate solution.
Other factors that may make replacement worth considering include:
If replacement makes more sense than another repair, Ehret can help you choose and install a new water heater that meets your household’s hot water needs.
The amount of water depends heavily on where the leak occurs.
A slow drip from a fitting may produce only a small amount of water at first. A failed tank or plumbing connection, however, can release considerably more water and potentially damage flooring, drywall, furniture, or belongings near the unit.
That’s why water pooling around a water heater should be investigated promptly—even if you still have hot water.
Not every leak can be prevented, but routine maintenance can help identify developing problems before they become more serious.
Periodically inspect the area around your water heater for:
Having your home’s plumbing equipment professionally inspected can also help identify components that are beginning to wear before they result in a larger leak.
A leaking water heater isn’t a problem you want to put off. The source may be a relatively simple plumbing component, or it could indicate that the tank is beginning to fail.
Ehret Inc. provides water heater and residential plumbing services in Belleville, IL and surrounding communities. Our experienced plumbers can determine where the water is coming from and recommend the appropriate repair or replacement.
If you’ve discovered water around your water heater, request service from Ehret Inc. or call (618) 233-1018 to have the problem evaluated.
