How to Safely Deal with a Leaky Water Heater

Without proper plumbing inspections, a small leak can quickly grow larger. This is no different with a water heater, which can develop a leak that causes all manner of problems, from flooring and wall damage to mold and mildew growth, which in turn can cause health issues.

Leaks can shorten the life span of just about any appliance, pipe or other home component they come in contact with. Since no leak can fix itself, it only makes sense to check your water heater before a tiny leak turns into something more expensive to fix. Oak Plumbing shares how to deal with a water heater leak below:
Switch Off the Power
A gas-powered water heater typically has a switch near the bottom of the tank. If you have an electric heater, find the circuit breaker that supplies its power and switch it off.
Cut the Water Supply
Cutting the water supply to the heater is usually fairly easy. There should be a lever you can pull down or a dial you can turn to do so. However, you can also turn off your home’s main water supply if you can’t find the specific shut-off valve leading to your appliance. It’s important to stop more water from getting into the tank and adding to the pressure that’s making the leak worse.
Call a Professional
Even if you’re handy with tools and know a little about plumbing, some things are better left to the experts. After all, you might not be able to tell whether it’s a small leak in your water heater or something more serious that presents itself during a routine inspection, such as the need for a gas leak repair.
Talk to your plumber regarding a maintenance schedule to address potential problems and head them off before they start. Professionals know how to maintain plumbing systems to prevent problems from developing.
If you’re constantly dealing with issues that affect a traditional water heater, think about calling a tankless water heater installer. The installation of a tankless water heater is a bit more complex and might cost more, but the investment will be worth it down the line. A tankless system provides heated water only when you need it, so it uses less energy and is also less prone to problems with leaking.
Call Oak Plumbing today at (800) 397-3799 or at (707) 448-3567 to discuss tankless water heaters and other plumbing matters. We can help you in Benicia, Sacramento, or Vacaville, CA.

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