Water heater leaking? What to do right now.
A puddle under the water heater can go from annoying to a flooded basement fast. Here's what to do in the first ten minutes, and how to tell a small fix from a tank that's done.
1. Stop the water
Find the cold water supply pipe going into the top of the heater. It has a valve, usually a handle or lever. Turn it clockwise, or turn the lever so it's crosswise to the pipe. That stops new water from filling the tank. If you can't find it or it won't turn, shut off the main water valve for the house.
2. Turn off the heat source
Gas heater: turn the control knob on the front of the gas valve to OFF or PILOT. Electric heater: switch off its breaker at the panel, but only if you can reach the panel without standing in water. If you smell gas at any point, leave the house and call your gas utility or 911.
3. Find where it's coming from
- From a pipe fitting on top: often a loose or corroded connection. Usually repairable.
- From the pressure relief valve on the side: the valve may be doing its job because pressure or temperature is too high, or the valve itself has failed. This needs a plumber to check.
- From the drain valve near the bottom: sometimes it just isn't fully closed or the washer is worn.
- From the tank itself, or water pooling under it with no other source: the tank has usually rusted through. That can't be patched; the heater needs to be replaced.
4. Protect the area
Move boxes and anything valuable away, put down towels, and use a wet vac if you have one. If the heater has a drain pan with a line, make sure it's draining.
5. Write down the label info
The sticker on the tank lists the brand, model, capacity and usually the manufacture date inside the serial number. Having it when you call helps the plumber bring the right parts, and helps decide between repair and replacement.
Repair or replace?
Leaking fittings and valves are usually repairs. A leaking tank, a heater near the end of its life, or repeated problems usually mean replacement makes more sense. A plumber can tell you after looking at it.
Need help now?
New Ark answers every call, day or night, and emergencies go first. Call 908-454-4043, or see water heater repair and replacement.