Nobody wants to deal with a water heater leak, especially if it means dealing with water damage. A leak in your water heater can cause all sorts of problems, from ruined furniture to costly repairs.
Fixing a leaky water heater or water filtration system doesn’t have to be difficult. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with some tips on how to fix the problem and prevent future leaks.
We’ll also show you how to spot early signs of a leaky water heater so that you can take action before it’s too late. So, whether you’re a DIYer or simply looking for some peace of mind, read on!
Be Aware That Water Heaters Don't Last Forever
When you have a water heater, reverse osmosis system, or even a water filtration system in your home, chances are it will leak at some point. If a possible water heater leak is something you’re worried about, it’s a good idea to take preventative measures. Inspect your water heater regularly, ensuring the connections are secure and there is no water pooling underneath the unit.
In addition, if you’re going away on vacation, consider lowering the water temperature on your water heater to save energy while you’re away. By taking these small steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of water heater leaks happening in your home.
Should a leak occur despite these precautions, shut off the water right away and call an experienced technician to investigate and repair the issue. If you’re good at DIY projects, you can try to fix it yourself before you call in the pros. Taking corrective action as soon as possible can help minimize water damage and ensure you have hot water again quickly. Keep in mind that your water heater isn’t going to last forever and at some point, you are going to have to replace it.
Step 1 - Turn off the Power to the Leaky Water Heater.
Taking the steps necessary to troubleshoot and fix a water heater can be intimidating, but the first step is always the same – turn off the power. Shutting off this additional source of energy will prevent any further damage to the heater, and maybe you can even save yourself some money by fixing it yourself instead of calling a professional. Make sure to double-check that you’ve successfully switched off all sources powering up your water heater before attempting any repairs; it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Step 2 - Drain the Water Heater
Now that you’ve located the drain valve, it’s time to start draining the water heater. Don’t forget: safety always comes first! Make sure you put on a pair of gloves and some safety goggles before heading down to the basement. Then, depending on your specific model, it’s best to swivel open the valve (for gate values) or use a wrench for others, and then let the water safely flow into a bucket. By taking these precautionary steps, you can be confident that no more water will leak out of your heater.
Step 3 - Clean Up
Once the water heater is drained, you can start cleaning up the mess. Use a sponge or mop to soak up as much water as possible. Cleaning up after a flooded water heater can be a real pain, but it’s an important step. To get started, grab yourself a sponge or mop and start soaking up as much of the excess water as you can.
You may end up having to take a few breaks depending on the severity of the flood, but it’s important to really dig in and ensure that everything is dry for preventative maintenance. Don’t skip this step. If you don’t clean up all the water now then it’ll be hard to tell if you successfully fixed the leak later. If all else fails, don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and use some elbow grease – you’ll be done before you know it!
Step 4 - Locate The Source of the Leak
Next, locate the source of the leak and try to repair it with a sealant or epoxy resin. If you’ve noticed a leak coming from your water heater, you want to act quickly! If the leak is coming from the bottom, you have a decent chance to fix it. Next, use a sealant or epoxy resin to repair it — these effective products are available at most hardware stores.
On the other hand, if the leak is located on top of your water heater, it could be a leaky pipe or valve. In such cases, you may need to call in a professional for assistance. Taking action now can save time, energy, and money down the road so don’t wait any longer to tackle this issue!
Step 5 - Check The Pipes and Fittings
If the leak is coming from a pipe or fittings, you may be able to replace them yourself. Just be sure to shut off the water supply first! Fixing a leaking pipe is easy and straightforward if you’re willing to give it a try. Shut off the water (you already did this right), unscrew the faulty fittings, and slip in new ones – it’s really that simple! Don’t think twice about taking on this seemingly daunting task yourself. However, if you’re not comfortable with this type of repair you can bring in a professional.
Not only is replacing pipe fittings an easy and cost-effective way to take care of your leaks, but it will also leave you with a sense of accomplishment knowing that you have fixed something on your own.
Step 6 - When To Call In The Pros
So, you’ve tried your best to fix the leaking water heater problem, but it doesn’t look like you’re making much progress. That’s okay! Sometimes it’s best to call in an expert. They’ll be able to help you get your water heater back up and running in no time!
Professional plumbers have the experience and know-how to understand and solve complex issues with water heaters – they’ll be able to diagnose and fix the issue quickly and accurately. So if you’ve run out of ideas, hiring a professional will take all the hassle away from you – leaving you free to enjoy a hot shower again in no time!
Final Thoughts on Fixing Your Leaking Water Heater
So, there you have it! These are a few simple steps to take if you ever find yourself with a water heater leak. Just remember to stay calm and act fast so that you can minimize the damage. And of course, if you ever feel like the situation is beyond your control, don’t hesitate to call a professional. If you’re looking for a great deal and a top-quality water heater, contact the helpful professionals at Just Plumbing. They’ll get your hot water situation fixed in no time.