A hot water tank leaking is something that the majority of owners have experienced or will have to face in the near future. Just like any other water flow, having a water heater with a leaking problem is never a fun experience and it is always better addressed as early as possible. More specifically, if your hot water tank is leaking, then the chances are high that a lot of water will fill your house before you can stop the problem from getting worse.
This article is on the dos and don’ts when you notice that your hot water tank is leaking and how to handle it appropriately.
The first thing about it always comes to mind is to secure your safety once you encounter a situation wherein your hot water tank is leaking. If it has power then it could be an electric water heater then turn off the power supply from the breaker. In the case of one that uses gas, turn off the valve beside the water heater; this will shut the heating element off and there will not be any more chance of a fire or damage to the heater.
After switching off the power or gas supply, look for the position of cold water supply to the tank and shut it. This will encourage a reduction in the flow of water into the leaking tank and in effect control the amount of water leaking through a crack and confining this issue.
This way, you would stand to prevent progression of the problem and lessen the chances of water getting to your house in the process.
Once you have turned off the water and electricity, you can then inspect your leaking hot water tank to determine where exactly the leak is coming from. Some of the common places include:
You would have already identified the source of leakage and know how to solve the problem at this point.
If the problem is coming from a small leak, such as the drain valve or loose connection, then you might be able to fix it yourself temporarily. You can try to use a wrench to tighten the drain valve or connections slowly. If the leak comes from the connection, then you can apply plumber’s tape to seal the area temporarily.
Often, leaking your hot water tank from any of its major parts, be it the body of the tank or the pressure relief valve, is advised to be taken to a professional plumber because it may be a special repair or part replacement, which is only done by a plumber, and possibly requires specialized equipment and knowledge.
Switching off the water and electrical power and dealing with other momentary solutions, the leakage hot water tank needs to have any standing water around cleaned using towels, mops or wet vacuum. This, depending on the amount and timing of the leak from the leaking hot water tank can become a rapid damage causing the water to reach a dangerous level within just minutes.
If your leaking hot water tank is really an older, corroded tank or if the inside damage is pretty drastic, it might be smarter just to replace the unit itself rather than fix it. Most water heaters last anywhere from 10-15 years, and when they get to that time, they start cracking and leaking and rusting-not really fixable.
If your hot water tank is leaking very often then you should look for a new one that is more energy efficient and durable. Newer models of water heaters are future-proof from hot water tanks leaking for a considerable time. They have improved insulation and will therefore use less energy to warm water, thus saving you some utility bills. Additionally, most new models come with warranties that will cover you for years.
