What to Do If Your Water Heater Leaks
A water heater leak often starts as a small puddle that is easy to dismiss. The tank sits in a corner of a basement or utility room, out of sight, and by the time the puddle is noticed the floor around it may already be soaked.
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Water heaters hold a large volume of water, so even a slow leak can do real damage over days. The first steps are straightforward, and they start with safety.
Shut the water off in general terms
If you can see where the water is coming from, shut off the water supply to the heater if you can do so safely and without stepping into standing water. Many heaters have a shut-off valve on the cold-water line feeding the tank.
If the area around the heater is flooded, stay out of the water and call for help. Do not touch the heater itself or any electrical connection near it if water is present, and do not try to drain the tank yourself.
Do not touch electrics in standing water
A leaking water heater can put water near electrical connections, and that is a combination to stay away from. Do not unplug the heater, do not touch its controls, and do not step into the water to reach a switch.
If the heater is electric and the water has reached its wiring, leave the room and call for help. The power can be dealt with from a dry place by someone who knows what they are doing.
What a leak may point to
A leak may point to a failed valve, a loose connection, corrosion in the tank, or a pressure problem, but only an inspection can say which. The location of the water helps: a leak at the base often points to the tank itself, while water at the top may point to a connection or valve.
Do not assume a small leak will stay small. A tank that leaks today can fail more seriously tomorrow, and the water it releases will find its way into floors and walls. Our guide to water damage restoration explains what happens once a leak is found.
When to call
Call a professional if the leak is more than a few drops, if the floor around the heater is wet, if the water is spreading, or if you are unsure where it is coming from. A plumber deals with the heater itself, while a restoration professional deals with the water damage it caused.
In the Capital Region, water damage help in Albany can arrange an inspection, and emergency water removal covers getting standing water out of a basement or utility room. Take a photo of the puddle and the heater before you call.
Key Takeaways
- If you can see where the water is coming from, shut off the water supply to the heater if you can do so safely and without stepping into standing water.
- A leaking water heater can put water near electrical connections, and that is a combination to stay away from.
- A leak may point to a failed valve, a loose connection, corrosion in the tank, or a pressure problem, but only an inspection can say which.
- Call a professional if the leak is more than a few drops, if the floor around the heater is wet, if the water is spreading, or if you are unsure where it is coming from.
Ready for the Next Step?
Call to arrange a water damage visit in New York. Describe what you found and we will talk through the next step.
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