What To Do If Your Water Heater Is Leaking

At Adeedo!, water heater leaks are one of the most common plumbing issues our Orange County and Los Angeles plumbers experience.

While there are various issues that could be causing the leak, there are steps you can take to discover and resolve the issue yourself. And if the problem is caught in time, home- and business-owners can rest easy because the damage to property may be minimal.

Identifying a Possible Water Heater Leak

To identify the culprit, first look around the area and locate where there is the most leakage. This area is most noticeable because there is usually a puddle forming right below the area of the leak.

Once you determine the source of the leak, our Southern California plumbers recommend shutting off the water heater power supply by switching it to the “off” position for electric models, turning the dial for gas units or using the circuit breaker. Next, you will want to turn off the water supply. Some of the most common causes of a leaky water include loose drain valves, too much pressure in the tank or that it’s simply an old unit.

Next Steps

Loose Drain Valve
If a loose drain valve is causing your unit’s leak, you will want to tighten the valve with a wrench by turning it to the “right.” Be sure not to over tighten the valve since doing so may cause damage. The valve should be snug, but not overly tight.

Excessive Tank Pressure
Too much water pressure within the tank itself can occur if the temperature on your heater is set too high. Additionally, if your exterior water supply is coming in at too high of a pressure, this can also cause an issue. Finally, a defective temperature pressure relief valve could be the culprit. So, you will want to check your unit’s temperature setting and relief valve, and check your exterior water pressure in order to determine the problem.

Worn-Out Units
While water heaters are intended to last for many years, just like any appliance, they, too, become worn. And as they approach the end of their life-cycles, rusting and corrosion can take their toll. If the corrosion becomes bad enough, the unit can begin to leak. In this instance, replacement is necessary.

We Can Help!
If the damage is minimal and you have the knowledge and skills to handle such a plumbing job, then you might want to fix the issue on your own. If not, then you can always contact our highly skilled Orange County and Los Angeles plumbers. With 70 years of experience, Adeedo! can resolve your water heater issue quickly and at an affordable price.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (833) 936-1791 or fill out our appointment form online.