Dealing with a Water Heater Leak

Posted: Jan 10, 2012
Author: Ace Hardware Home Services

When you’re having a bad day, the last thing you need is to come home to find that your water heater is leaking, not a nice scenario. If it’s discovered early, minimal damage will occur, but if not, the leak can end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. Although some leaks are small trickles, they can still do a lot of damage. This could be your worst nightmare, so take heed!

Most water heaters sit on a base that is covered in drywall. If the water heater leaks, the water will penetrate the drywall and then spread to the adjoining walls. Signs that your water is leaking are fairly obvious. There may be a pool of water on the floor, or you may detect a dank odor in the air. Time to call your plumber!

What your plumber will do:

1. Check for faulty drain valves and replace them.
2. If you have a gas water heater, the vents may be congested. By unblocking these vents, the problem can be solved.
3. Water pipes may be leaking at their fitting point. Your plumber will either tighten them or replace them with new valves or pipes.
4. Check for water slowly seeping out of corroded and rusted tanks. The only solution is to replace the entire water heater.

Replacing a faulty water heater is a big investment, so shop around for the best deal and what suits your lifestyle. Your plumber can also advise you on other hot water options such as tankless, solar hot water systems or heat pumps.