Water Heaters are known for having the illusion it is leaking, when it could be another reason! There are many fixtures around your water heater such as plumbing, pipes and other fixtures that could be the culprit of causing the leaking on your floor. Here are the steps to assess the situation:
STEP 1: Determine Where the Leak is Coming From
The first step, clean up any water and watch the surrounding pipes. After a few minutes, if you do not see any water building up, then the water is most likely condensation caused by the water heater and surrounding pipes and should be nothing to worry about. If the puddle returns and continues to build up, the source is most likely your water heater leaking.
STEP 2: Turn Off The Power Supply
Once you’ve determined your water heater is the source of the leak, it’s time to turn off your water heater’s power to figure out where the leak is coming from. Here are the ways you can turn your water heater power off based on your type of water heater:
- How to Turn Off An Electric Water Heater
- Go to your homes circuit breaker box and switch off the breaker for your electric water heater.
- How to Turn Off a Gas Water Heater
- Located on your water heater there should be an on/off switch or dial controlling the power to your water heater.
STEP 3: Turn off the Water Supply
*If you can not maneuver around the water heater safely to turn the valve off, it’s best to call MM Comfort Systems immediately for 24/7 emergency service at 425-533-9058.
If the leak is significant, turn off the water supply at the cold water shut-off valve. Usually, this will be located above the water heater to shut off the supply. The shut-off valve will have a handle to pull down or a gate valve (dial) that can be turned to close it.
Keep in mind, closing this valve will turn off the water that comes into your home for the use in your kitchen, bathroom and other parts of your home.
Step 4: Determine the Location of the Leak On Your Water Heater
It may be time to call us to help you further find a solution, but the more information you have, the better we can understand and assess the situation to give you the best solution. Here are the common areas that tend to be the culprit of a leaking water heater.
- The Cold Water Inlet and Hot Water Outlet Connections
- The Cold water Inlet and Hot Water Outlet Connections can be found attached to the top of your water heater. Fixing a leak here might simply require tightening the fittings and connections or inexpensively replacing the connections.
- The Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve
- The T&P Valve is located on the side of your water heater with a pipe running straight to the ground. Check the valve for any leak near the connected point to the water heater. If it’s releasing water and steam, it may require adjusting the pressure and temperature of your water heater. Be careful, if there is too much pressure within your water heater tank, the T&P valve will release extremely hot water and steam.
- The Drain Valve
- The Drain Valve is located near the bottom of the tank and can leak due to normal deterioration. This can be easily fixed.
- The Internal Tank
- Now, this is where it gets tough. If you don’t see a source of leaking anywhere on the outside of the tank, it may be an internal problem. Have you had the water tank for a long time? It may be time for a replacement, if it’s determined that you need a new one.
MM Comfort Systems is the Pacific Northwest’s trusted HVAC company for all things when it comes to improving the cooling, heating and electricity in your home. We will be able to help you assess the situation and repair or replace your water heater’s leaking problem. Call MM Comfort Systems today at 425-533-9058 or request a service or repair for your water heating here.
