What To Do When Your Water Heater is Leaking

With the amount of appliances in your home, it can be difficult to maintain them all. Plumbing issues can arise at any time, and some problems can be easily fixed, while others require an expert plumbing contractor in Philly to take a look at the unit. Hot water is a necessity for homeowners. From dish washing to hand washing to showers, we all use hot water on a daily basis.

Instances can occur where you walk into your utility closet and there is a puddle on the floor. A leak can be hazardous to your health—leaving mold behind—and damage the floor and walls before the leak is detected. Taking the proper precautions for your leaking water heater can lead to successful repairs.

-Go to your circuit breaker and shut off the power.

-Determine the cause of the leak. Here are a few common causes of water heater leaks.

• Is your water heater leaking from the flex line? The pipes connected to the top of the water heater—inlet and outlet—may be causing the problem. It’s best to check this pipe first, because of its easy accessibility and inspection. These can be tightened by using an adjustable wrench.

• Is your heater leaking from the temperature and pressure relief valve? If your unit is overheating, the pressure on the temperature and pressure relief valve will cause an overflow and leak. Lower the temperature and turn the power back on to see if this is the cause of the leak. If so, you must drain the water to below the valve for a safe replacement. Once you replace the valve, refill the water before turning the power back on. Check a faucet, making sure the water is flowing at full stream, then turn the power back on, and ensure your water heater is fixed.

• Is the drain line leaking? Check the drain line and see if it has become uncapped. If so, you may have to replace the valve. Be sure to drain the water heater before removing the valve for safety reasons.

• Is the storage tank leaking? Take a look at the tank itself and try to see if there are any holes in the tank where water is escaping. If there are no holes, rust can cause a leak, as well. A water heater will need to be replaced if the storage tank is the cause.

-Determine whether you need a repair or replacement.

-Consult the opinion of a professional contractor.

Be careful when operating on your own. The slightest improper repair can lead to more severe problems, resulting in a hefty repair cost. We’re not all plumbers. We don’t all know how to fix a hot water heater. If you’re unsure of what to do, call Guaranteed Plumbing & Heating, Inc. and our plumbing contractors in Philadelphia will troubleshoot the problem to get your unit restored.