On a cool rainy morning, a cold shower is the last thing anyone wants. And if you’re finally getting caught up on dishes, not having hot water is seriously going to mess up your flow.
There are a lot of reasons your water heater could be struggling, and leaks are a common culprit. This guide will help you recognize a leaking water heater, learn how to respond, and know when you need a water heater repair.
Identifying Water Heater Issues
Let’s go over some signs that something’s amiss with your hot water system:
- Rust-colored or brown water
- Out-of-the-ordinary noises, like banging, popping, or dripping
- Lack of hot water or inconsistent water temperature
- Low water pressure
If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to check your water heater. Whether it’s a leak or something else, it’s worth taking a closer look to avoid bigger headaches later.
Inspecting Your Water Heater
Once you have noticed an issue with your water heater it’s time to take a look at the unit to see if anything seems out of place.
Tighten loose valves or hoses: If you notice water pooling around the top or bottom of the unit, check to see if any of the connections appear to be loose. This may resolve leaks around these areas.
Adjust the temperature: If there is a leak around the bottom of the unit and the leak’s source is unclear, try setting the water heater to the recommended temperature (120°–130°F). If the water dries up, this temperature adjustment may have corrected the issue.
Inspect for dust and debris: If the water heater is a gas unit and the area around the bottom has lint or dust it may be affecting the burner from working correctly. The removal of the debris may help to get you back in business.
If these solutions don’t seem to be effective, call a plumbing professional right away and schedule a visit. They have the experience, skills, and tools to confirm the cause of the heater issue. They’ll take care of your water heater repair and make sure your system is safely up and running once again.
What to Do If Your Water Heater Is Leaking
To prevent further damage and keep you and your family safe, follow these steps as soon as you notice a leak.
- Shut off the power: If you have an electric water heater, turn the water heater switch in your breaker box to “off”. If you have a gas water heater, turn the knob on the gas valve to “off”, the gas valve is located near the base of the tank. This will help to avoid injuries and accidents.
- Turn off the water supply: Locate the shut off for the water heater to stop fresh water from entering the unit. If this valve cannot be shut off you may have to locate and turn off your water at the main shut off inside the home.
- Drain the water heater: If you have a tank unit you can drain it once the water has been shut off and heat source has been turned off. Attach a hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of the unit. Run the hose to a drain or if it is located in the garage you can run the hose outside. After the hose is in place, open the drain valve to allow any additional water to be removed from the tank.
- Clean up the aftermath: After the water heater has been turned off and the unit has been drained, clean up any additional water to prevent damage, mold, injury from slipping, or interference with other appliances.
Preventing Future Issues
The best way to avert leaks or a costly water heater repair is to have a trusted plumbing technician perform a yearly checkup and maintenance on your system. They’ll drain the water if you have a tank unit or flush a tankless, perform a thorough inspection, and take care of any repairs so that your water heater stays in top shape.
You can help by frequently inspecting the valves and pipes to make sure they are in good condition. If you notice anything suspicious, give your plumbing guys a call.
Count on Three Kings for Your Water Heater Repair
At Three Kings Plumbing, water heaters are old friends. With over 27 years of experience in plumbing, you can trust us to do a quality job the first time, whether it’s a simple water heater repair or a complete replacement. Our techs are licensed, friendly, and ready to get your hot water going again. If you have a leak, Three Kings Plumbing can stop it. Just give us a call.
