Have you discovered your water heater leaking? If you quickly handle the problem you’ll be much better off in the long run. Not only can an unattended leak be expensive to fix you could also develop other problems as well, for instance, the more water the more damage like your flooring and long-term can cause massive mold in your walls and throughout your home.
Luckily, there are lots times when the water heater leak is not a huge problem to get fixed. There are some easy solutions to determine the original source of the leak, so, then you can repair your gas water heater yourself or bring in the professionals.
Bringing in a professional is something you might want to think about. These people are experienced in fixing water leaks and will have your problems fixed right away. Sure, you might be able to do it yourself, but this takes time and you might not solve the problem right away, which will cost you more money.
The plumber company you choose should be properly licensed by the state they are operating in and have the proper insurance that will protect you and your home. It doesn’t matter what state you live in. If you live in Las Vegas, NV and are looking for water heater repair company they must have the proper insurance and be licensed. No insurance, no license, don’t hire them.
The first thing you wish to do is be sure the water heater is actually the cause of the leak. If you find some water near the heater, mop this and take notice of the area for a few days. If the water doesn’t return it’s likely the dampness was due to condensation. Also, be sure you check other nearby appliances, for example a water softener or perhaps pipes which can be running down the ceiling above your water heater.
Once you might have determined that the water heater is the leaking you must pinpoint the location where the leak is in fact coming from so that you can best evaluate if you can handle the matter yourself or if you need to call a plumber.
The first thing you need to do is turn off the electricity/gas supply to the heater. You will shut off the gas on the heater itself or if you’ve an electric heater the power will come from your electrical fuse box. Next, you should turn off the cold water supply valve, which is located near the water heater. It is usually incorporated in the incoming water pipe.
Here includes the most likely suspects in terms of a leaking water heater. If your water heater is leaking from your top, it is best to first look at the cold water inlet and the domestic hot water outlet connections. The easiest fix will be if one is loose, simply use a pipe wrench to tighten the fittings. Some are solder on so you would need to replace the solder joint with a new fitting and pipe. This can be challenging, so a call to a plumber might be a good decision.
The next step would be to check the temperature pressure release valve; it is a small lever found on the side in the heater and it needs to have a tube attached to it running around the side with the tank. If you see any leaks from this you need to replace it. The T & P valve is a safety feature in the heater and must not be overlooked for repairs.
Finally, look at the drain valve. This is located near to the bottom of the tank and is opened and closed using a dial or maybe a metal piece that can employ a slotted screwdriver. If the tank is leaking from your drain valve you would need to drain the water using a garden hose. Once the tank is drained then you can replace the valve.
One final note, in the event the leak is coming from the inside of the tank, it is likely you have an issue that is to big for any homeowner to take care of. If the inside of the tank is starting to leak the water can come out of the top. You would need the help of a professional to repair your gas water heater. This is not a job for the homeowner because in most cases the tank needs replaced. Replacing a water tank is a huge job and you might need a building permit depending on the area you live in. You will need a plumber to do it for you.