What To Do if a Water Heater Is Leaking: A Guide

Your water heater is a workhorse, ensuring your family has hot water for bathing, cleaning, washing dishes, and doing laundry. It isn’t supposed to leak, so call a plumber immediately if you notice your water heater leaking!

Do you need professional water heater maintenance or repair? Schedule your services with Robin Aire at (800) 361-0888 today!

Parts of a Water Heater

A typical tank-style water heater has several components that could be sources of leaks. Here’s an overview of these parts:

• The water heater tank
• Inlet and outlet pipes
• Temperature & pressure (T&P) relief valve
• Drain valve
• Heating elements
• Anode rod
• Dip tube
• Thermostat
• Pilot light or burner assembly
• Gas control valve

Leaks From the Top of the Unit

If a water heater leaks from the top, it’s often due to several issues with the components located in that area. Here is a list of potential causes of a leak at the top of a water heater:

• Faulty T&P relief valve
• Deteriorating anode rod port
• Faulty valves or fittings
• Condensation from venting  for gas water heaters
• Corrosion
• Loose parts or poor seals
• Cracked tank

If you find a leak, taking care of it quickly will prevent further damage. The fix may be as simple as tightening a connection, or it could be a sign of a more complex issue.

Leaks From the Bottom of the Unit

Leaking from the bottom of a water heater can be due to several reasons, and it’s generally more concerning than leaks from the top because it often indicates a problem with the internal tank or related components. Here are the common reasons for leaks from the bottom of a water heater:

• Internal tank leak
• Drain valve leak
• T&P relief valve discharge pipe leak
• Condensation
• Loose heating element
• Corrosion

What To Do When Your Water Heater Is Leaking?

If you’re experiencing a leak from your water heater, here’s what you need to do to prevent more damage and avoid safety hazards:

1. Turn off your power supply.
2. Shut off your water supply.
3. Inspect the water heater.
4. Drain the tank (if necessary and safe to do).
5. Document the leak by taking pictures.
6. Call a professional plumber.
7. Clean up any standing water.
8. Consider preventive measures to make sure everyone is safe.
9. Review the maintenance schedule for your water heater.
10. Decide about whether to repair or replace your water heater.

Remember, safety comes first. If you are not confident in performing any of these steps or unsure about the cause of the leak, it’s always better to call a pro.

Choose Robin Aire for Water Heater Services

Whether your water heater is on its way out, needs routine maintenance, or has a failing part that needs repair, Robin Aire Service Company is there for you! We proudly serve Wixom, Novi, and Southeast Michigan, keeping your homes comfortable year-round. Check out our reviews, learn more about our financing options, and get ready to experience the Robin Aire difference!