Water Heater Leaking? Here’s What to Do!
Are you noticing puddles around your water heater? This can be an indication of a water leak somewhere in your heating unit. A leak may seem like a small problem but it can lead to bigger issues. These leaks can wreak havoc on your floors, the heating tank and your wallet. Fixing a leak early will help to reduce the costs of further damage. Stopping the leak can save you from having to replace the entire water heater. Schedule annual examinations with an expert plumber to find an issue before it is a major problem.
Is your water heater leaking? You need to contact a licensed technician to take care of the problem before it gets worse. Call Strittmatter Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing at 940-246-2075 to schedule an appointment today. Keep reading to find out what you can do before a technician comes out.
Inlet and Outlet Leaks
If you are trying to find the location of your water leak, the main perpetrators might be the cold water inlet and hot water outlet valves. The cold water inlet is where cold water comes into the water line and enters into the water heater.
If there is a leak in the inlet valve it may drip water onto the top of the water heater and inflict damage. The outlet water valve is where the hot water that has been heated inside the tank goes out into the rest of the home. The inlet and outlet leaks can be easy to fix by tightening loose screws with a wrench. Call a professional for leak repair if you are unsure how to continue.
Temperature and Pressure Valve Leaks
The temperature and pressure valve is located on the top or on the sides of your water heater. These valves are used as a safety device in the event that your water tank bursts. You can try to fix a leak by tightening the valve connection. If it is not coming from the valve, it could be leaking from the discharge pipe.
If you do not fix this leak soon, there is a potential risk of the water tank bursting from the pressure. This can lead to expensive repair costs and damages. If you suspect that water is leaking from your temperature and pressure valves you need to call for water heater repair service right away.
Drain Valve Leaks
Is there a puddle on the floor around your water tank? A leak from the bottom of the tank can indicate a drain valve leak. The drain valve takes the water out of the tank to remove sediment build up during maintenance inspections. Not having regular flushing of the tank can increase the likelihood of deterioration of the inner water tank. This can slow down its efficiency and result in water heater replacement.
The valve must be closed to ensure no water is escaping. If there are signs of water moisture, screw the valve tight with a pipe wrench or by hand. Consider scheduling annual maintenance appointments with your local plumbing service to decrease the likelihood of unnecessary repairs or issues.
Internal Tank Leaks
If you are noticing a leak coming from your water tank, it might be the tank itself. Getting your water tank flushed can help remove the sediment that is building up at the bottom of the tank. The accumulation of sediment can cause your water tank to corrode from the inside out. It is not uncommon for water tanks to leak if it is older and has lots of wear and tear.
You can easily check for tank corrosion by looking for rusty spots or holes. The only solution to an internal tank leak is to replace the water heater. The best way to avoid this issue in the future is to install a tankless water heater so that you no longer have a tank to worry about. Schedule an installation with the nearest plumbing service.
Turn off Electrical Supply
After finding the source of the water leak in your home it is important to turn off the power source. There are two types of water heaters that you may have in your home. If you have an electric water heater, then it will be connected to a circuit breaker. Head over to the breaker and switch the breaker off for your water heater.
If you have a gas water heater then the power supply will be coming from the bottom of your tank. Simply turn the switch or dial to the off position. If you can, try not to close the gas valves because it could further the problem or create a new one.
Turn off the Water
After turning off the electrical supply it is important to shut off the water supply. Water and electricity are not a good mix for your family or your home. Most water heaters have a valve at the bottom of the unit with a dial to shut off the water supply.
Turn the dial or pulley clockwise (to the right) to close it off. If you cannot locate or reach the dial, you may need to shut the main valve off. This will shut off all water coming in and leaving your home. If the leak is very serious, consider calling an expert water heater repair service near you.
Water Heater Repair Service Near Me
Wondering who is the “best water heater repair service near me?” Strittmatter Air Conditioning, Heating and plumbing is the one to call in Highland Villages, TX. With years of experience under their belt, they will make sure to repair or replace your water heater with the utmost care. With customers as their first priority, the company ensures timelines and professionalism with every inspection. Strittmatter specializes in areas like plumbing and water heater services, covering all the bases. Call in an expert when you do not know what to do in the event of a water leak.
If you are ready to schedule an annual inspection or a repair, contact Strittmatter Air Conditioning, Heating and plumbing. Call us at 940-246-2075 or contact us online to schedule your next service.
