Stop Your Leaking Water Heater

What Should I Do?

A leaking water heater is a serious issue that needs to be attended to right away to prevent extreme damages done to your home. Damages result in water damage or mold on the floor and walls surrounding the wet area which can cause health concerns or even more significant damages result in a flood. To prevent an expensive flood repair and keep the residents of your property healthy follow the few tips below. Schedule a maintenance check on your water heater immediately.

Find the Source of the Leaking Water Heater

First find where the leak is coming from. Not every puddle of water around your water heater is coming from the water heater itself. Condensation from the water heater and pipes can drip leaving a water trace. First, wipe the wet spot dry to determine where the leak is coming from by observation. Inspect all aspects and piping of the water heater for noticeable leakage. If you do not see immediate water, leave a towel where the leak was and come back in a few days to see if the leak still occurs.

Turn off the Power and Water Supply

If you have an electric water heater and the leak continues, turn off the power supply immediately. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Next turn off the water supply by closing the valve located above the water heater. Turning off the water supply will slow the leak or stop it completely.

Keep an eye on your water heater even though it might be in a spot where it goes unnoticed. A water leak can start off minor but could end in serious home damage if not taken care of right away. It is beneficial to find the source of the leak and turn off the power and water to prevent further damage before your HVAC contractor can come service your home.