Leaks don’t always mean it’s the end of the world for your water heater. Depending on the severity of the leak and/or where it occurs, you can still fix the problem before turning to water heater replacement. In most cases, the leak’s location is prominent; sometimes, a puddle of water mysteriously appears out of nowhere.
In the United States, water leaks in residential areas alone can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water per year. That’s a lot of wasted water! So, the sooner you prioritize water heater repair, the sooner you get to save water (and more money, too).
Fortunately, you can easily fix a leaking water heater problem – as long as you know what to do!
In the United States, water leaks in residential areas alone can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water per year. That’s a lot of wasted water! So, the sooner you prioritize water heater repair, the sooner you get to save water (and more money, too).
Fortunately, you can easily fix a leaking water heater problem – as long as you know what to do!
Do You Have a Water Heater Leak Problem?
If your water heater is leaking, the moisture could be from condensed air that has formed water droplets on the tank’s outside surface. To confirm if you have a faulty water heater tank, start with a leak check in your home. Do this by monitoring your water meter. Make sure that everyone at home doesn’t use water while you’re at it. Shut all the fixtures, toilets, water appliances, and taps.
If your meter stops moving, you don’t have a leak problem. But if it does, you have one.
To determine if your water heater is leaking, wipe the tank and turn the power off. For gas units, shut off the gas. For electric models, turn off the power. Next, clean the supply lines and valves. Once everything is clean, check the exterior and look for signs of condensation. The tank is probably the problem if you also see the valve leaking.
If your meter stops moving, you don’t have a leak problem. But if it does, you have one.
To determine if your water heater is leaking, wipe the tank and turn the power off. For gas units, shut off the gas. For electric models, turn off the power. Next, clean the supply lines and valves. Once everything is clean, check the exterior and look for signs of condensation. The tank is probably the problem if you also see the valve leaking.
How Do You Repair a Leaking Water Heater?
There are many culprits behind a leaking water heater. If your unit is more than 10 years old, replacing it might be a wiser option (compared to repairs). But if the unit is younger, water heater repair is possible.
Here are some remedies to the most common water heater problems.
Here are some remedies to the most common water heater problems.
Tighten Loose Pipe Fittings
If water is coming from the hot water pipe and cold water supply line, you can stop the leak by tightening the fitting with a wrench. This is possible if flex pipes are connecting your water heater to your home’s primary hot and cold water lines. These pipes are common configurations, and they can easily attach to fitting, which makes it an easy DIY fix for many homeowners.
On the other hand, if you’re working with solid copper pipes, it’s best to call a pro for a professional water heater service since copper pipes seal by soldering.
On the other hand, if you’re working with solid copper pipes, it’s best to call a pro for a professional water heater service since copper pipes seal by soldering.
Replace Leaky Drain Valves
If drain valves are the culprit behind the drips, replace them ASAP. While some prefer to call a plumbing company for this job, dedicated DIY homeowners can still handle the job.
Start by draining the water heater and attaching the garden hose to the drain valve. Run the other end of the hose to a shower drain or a floor drain. Let the water drain out through the house opening the valve with a flathead screwdriver. After draining the water, use an adjustable wrench to grip the valve and twist it. Take the valve to your local hardware store to find a match.
Install the new valve by twisting it into the valve hole until it fits well.
Start by draining the water heater and attaching the garden hose to the drain valve. Run the other end of the hose to a shower drain or a floor drain. Let the water drain out through the house opening the valve with a flathead screwdriver. After draining the water, use an adjustable wrench to grip the valve and twist it. Take the valve to your local hardware store to find a match.
Install the new valve by twisting it into the valve hole until it fits well.
Use a Leak Detector to Prevent Future Leaks
Most water heaters are installed in garages, basements, or utility closets, aka areas where leaks can cause serious damage before anyone notices. To avoid this problem, install a leak detector near your water heater. At the first sign of water damage, you’ll hear a loud signal from the detector. This prevents any serious damage in the future.
When Should You Replace a Leaking Water Heater?
If the leak is not coming from the spots above your water heater, the problem lies at the bottom of the tank. Over time, debris and other sediment settle in the bottom of the heater, which leads to rust that “eats” the water heater tank. Regularly flushing and draining out the water slows down the rusting process, but if the bottom is already leaking, a replacement might be the better option.
While water heater installations can be DIY-ed, we recommend working with an electric or gas water heater installation company in Las Vegas.
Leaks are inevitable, especially if you often use your water heater. When leaks start to happen, assess the damage to see if the unit can be repaired or should be replaced. Either way, a DIY option is OK, but for the best results, hire a professional water heater company in Las Vegas.
Trust us to take care of your water heater problems. We aim to provide you with trusted water heater replacement, water heater installation, and other professional services in Las Vegas, Clark County, and Henderson.
While water heater installations can be DIY-ed, we recommend working with an electric or gas water heater installation company in Las Vegas.
Leaks are inevitable, especially if you often use your water heater. When leaks start to happen, assess the damage to see if the unit can be repaired or should be replaced. Either way, a DIY option is OK, but for the best results, hire a professional water heater company in Las Vegas.
Trust us to take care of your water heater problems. We aim to provide you with trusted water heater replacement, water heater installation, and other professional services in Las Vegas, Clark County, and Henderson.