How to Fix a Leaking Water Heater: A Step-by-Step Guide

Water heaters are essential appliances for daily routine tasks in our home that support daily routines like bathing, cooking, cleaning, and more. However, like any other appliance, water heaters can develop issues over time, and one of the most common issues is a water heater leak. If you’ve noticed your water heater leaking, don’t need to fret, contact trained and certified experts at Parzival Plumbing in Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Newport Coast. Get regular maintenance with our plumbers specialist to avoid further damage and costly repairs. 

What Should You Do if You Notice a Leak?

If you want to resolve any water heater leak, safety should be your first priority.

Turn Off the Power: Discover a water heater leak, and take immediate action. If your water heater is electric, shut off the power to block circuit breakage. On the Other hand, turn off the gas supply and avoid any huge damage to gas water heaters.

Shut Off the Water Supply: To stop a water heater leakage that could cause further damage, close the valve on your heater to stop the water flow. Turning the valve clockwise will help prevent flooding and skilled plumbers are able to inspect the leak more effectively.

Check for Hot Water:
Let the water in the hot water tank cool down to avoid burns while inspecting or handling any parts of the leaking water heater. Get budget friendly water heater leak repairs in Irvine, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Costa Mesa.

What are Major Causes of Water Heater Leaks?

If your water heater is leaking, there are common causes you can face here:

Aged Water Heater Tank
Like other appliances, older water heater tanks are more likely to leak and have reduced water retention. If your water heater tank has internal corrosion, cracks can form, allowing water to escape. In this case, call the professional plumbers for repairs or you can install a new one.

Faulty Drain Valve: If your hot water heater is leaking, probably because of a loose drain valve. Homeowners use the drain valve to empty the tank when they need to maintain or replace the water heater tank inside. After repairing, close it properly otherwise you can notice the water heater leaking. To avoid the water heater leaks, close the drain valve tightly.

Internal Corrosion: Internal corrosion can cause the inside surface of a pipeline that can damage a tank. Due to irregular maintenance or age, it can lead to cracks, and water starts to escape. Regular maintenance is really important to prevent this.

Faulty Temperature and Pressure (T&P) Relief Valve: When water pressure or the temperature gets too high the valve starts releasing water can lead to leaking. 

High Water Pressure: Excessively high water pressure can cause problems and lead to potential water tank leaks at some point. To make sure your water pressure remains the same, consult with a professional to avoid this leaking issue.
Cracked & Damaged Storage Tank: Some water heaters have a third glass tank that allows the sediment to build up inside the tank. Those hard minerals can create cracks and damage the Storage Tank causing water leaks. Call the professional plumbers to fix this problem or you can replace the glass tank entirely.

How to Deal with a Water Heater Leakage?

If you find your water heater leaking, call a professional to reduce damage and risks. There are a few steps you should take to handle the leakage problem to restore your water heater. 

Find the Leakage Point
Check the tank, pipes, and all water heater tank connections, to locate any signs of water leakage. Calling the professional team is the best decision to find the origin of the leak that will help you understand the best steps for repairing a leaking hot water heater tank. 

Turn Off the Power and Water Supply
Whether you are using an electric water heater tank or a gas water heater tank, switch off the power button if you notice any water leakage around the tank. To prevent the potential mishappening, immediately turn off the gas control for gas heaters. 

 Tips for Common Leak Sources

• If you notice loose connections on the hot or cold water pipes, tighten those pipes gently with a wrench tool to stop minor leaks to avoid the water heater leaking.

• Notice any constant water heater leaking from the bottom or high temperature and uncontrollable water pressure then try to replace those parts after draining the water heater tank. 

• Flushing the tank can help remove sediment or corrosion, and improve the life of your water heater tank efficiency. With regular flushing, you can avoid the costly leaking water heater problems and water heater repairs.

Prevent Future Leaks with Regular Maintenance

Flush the Tank Annually: Annually flushing the tank can reduce the possibility of hot water heater leaking issues. 

Inspect the T&P Valve Regularly: Inspecting the valve occasionally can prevent the chances of pressure-related leaks.

Check for Corrosion and Replace Parts as Needed: Contact Parzival Plumbers for regular inspections to find signs of water tank leaking at an early stage that can lead to massive leakage.

Hot Water Tank Repair Experts
Are you thinking of fixing or replacing a leaking hot water system? Contact the licensed Parzival Plumbing hot water plumbers in Costa Mesa, CA. We also provide valuable advice and tips to maintain the hot water heater services. Our certified plumber team will ensure that all safety guidelines are followed while fixing the water heater leaking from the bottom. Our topnotch expertise offer hot water leakage repair services in Laguna Beach and Corona Del Mar at a reasonable cost.

Get in touch with our Parzival Plumbing team to avoid water heater leaking problems. Call us now.