What to Do When Your Water Heater Is Leaking

Have you noticed that your tank-type water heater is leaking? It’s crucial to act quickly if you want to avoid further damaging the water heater or even your home. In fact, delaying repairs or replacement installation could result in severe consequences. But the comfort specialists at Simons Heating & Cooling are here to help. Follow our step-by-step guide to quickly identify any issues with your tank water heater before calling a technician. We’ll address the source of the problem and restore your water heater to its normal, efficient operation.

  1. Shut off the power and gas supply
    To prevent any further damage or overheating, your first step is turning off the power or gas supply to the water heater before also disconnecting it from the property’s plumbing. If you’re unable to locate the supply piping, you’ll need to turn off the water main outside. This is usually close to the street, and by doing so you’ll stop more water from leaking out of the tank.
  2. Locate where the leak starts 
    The next step is to identify where the leak started and why. Many leaks start at valves like the pressure relief valve or the drain valve as well as the tank itself. Valves may have just come loose. If this is the case, you may be able to resolve the leak by tightening these and other connections. But if the tank itself is leaking, it’s usually because of corrosion or damage. In many cases this damage is too severe to justify repairs, making water heater replacement the best option.

Even though you may be able to find the source of your water heater leak, it doesn’t mean you have the tools and knowledge to fix the problem entirely. Some simpler problems may do well with DIY solutions, while more serious concerns are best fixed with professional experience.

DIY Solutions to Help with Your Water Heater Problem

When the leak is coming from your water heater’s pressure relief valve or the drain valve, you may be able to fix it yourself. Simply identify the type of valve and tighten the connection or replace the valve entirely if that doesn’t work.

This won’t work if the leak is coming from the tank itself. In these cases, it’s important to call local pros like Simons Heating & Cooling to replace the tank. Water heater installation can be a tricky process if you lack previous experience, so it’s best to let licensed and insured installers handle things. While you wait for your Simons professional, place a bucket or tray under the leak before it causes water damage. Even small amounts of water can ruin wood flooring or items kept too close to the water heater.

Avoid Leaks with Routine Maintenance

Even after the problem has been fixed, you should invest in having the water heater maintained and serviced on a regular basis. This helps ensure against future leaks by keeping the water heater in the best possible working condition. In many cases, routine maintenance can also help prolong the life span of the water heater!

One key maintenance task involves checking the temperature and pressure relief valve every year. This valve serves as a safety net, preventing the tank from overheating or building up too much pressure. If the valve isn’t functioning properly, it often leads to a leak.

Simons maintenance technicians will also check the anode rod inside the tank. This important component attracts minerals and metals to it, rusting and wearing down to protect the tank itself. As such, the anode rod must be periodically replaced. Fortunately, replacing the anode rod is a simple process you may be able to handle on your own.

Try the Honeywell Leak & Freeze Detector for Maintenance Alerts

Honeywell offers a handy leak & freeze detection system that sends you alerts when there’s a problem with your HVAC system or water heater. By connecting to your Resideo App, you can find out right away when a pipe freezes or leaks, helping you resolve the problem that much faster.

Simons Heating & Cooling can offer the installation and maintenance of Honeywell Leak & Freeze Detectors as a valuable layer of protection for your utilities. Ask about installing one during your next AC or heating service call! It’s compatible with both new and existing equipment.

Keep Hot Water Where It Belongs: Call Simons for Repair

Overall, if you find that your tank-type water heater is leaking, it is important to take immediate action to address the problem. Locate the source of the leak, turn off the power or gas supply to the water heater and water supply to the water heater, put a bucket or tray under the leaking area, and call Simons Heating & Cooling if the leak is coming from the tank itself. Regular maintenance can also help to prevent future leaks and extend the life of the unit.

If you discover that your tank water heater is leaking, a prompt response helps best resolve the issue. Contact Simons Heating & Cooling if you prefer the advantages of professional experience. To schedule a repair appointment, give us a call at (518) 839-2602 today.

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