If there’s a puddle under your water heater, don’t panic. Before calling a professional water heater repair service, there’s some troubleshooting you can do to find the source of the problem. A solution may be easier than you think. Here’s what to do if you think your water heater is leaking.
Find the Source of the Leak
The first thing to do if you think your hot water tank is leaking is to figure out where it’s coming from. The cause may not be your water heater. Water may enter your home through the foundation or a window, or the puddle may be from another pipe nearby, so check the entire area first. If you still think your tank is leaking, follow these steps to try to pinpoint the source:
Turn off the water. A valve or tap should be located on the cold-water intake pipe that runs into your water heater tank. Turn it off. If you can’t find the valve, close the main water valve that runs into your home.
Turn off the gas or electricity. There should also be a valve on the gas line that runs into your water heater. Close this valve to shut off the natural gas supply to the unit. If you have an electric water heater, flip the circuit breaker connected to your water heater.
Check the cold-water intake or hot-water output pipes. If you see a loose connection, you may be able to fix the problem by tightening it with a pipe wrench.
Inspect the unit’s pressure relief valve. It’s designed to release water as a safety measure if the pressure inside the tank is too high. Excess pressure may build up if your thermostat is set too high. It should be set at around 50 degrees C.
Check the water heater drain valve. Ensure that it’s tight. A simple washer replacement may be enough to correct the problem.
Look underneath the tank for signs of damage. If your tank has cracks or excessive corrosion, it’s time to call a professional to replace the water heater.
Benefits of Regular Water Heater Maintenance
Regular water heater maintenance ensures you always have a dependable hot water supply. A professional inspection can identify and fix a minor issue in your heater before it becomes a costly repair. Have your water heater serviced and flushed at least once a year to maintain optimal efficiency.
Water Heater Repair in Orangeville, Alliston and Surrounding Areas
Don’s Heating & Cooling provides dependable and timely water heater repair, maintenance and installation services. With showrooms in Orangeville and Alliston, we have a 30-year history of serving customers in our surrounding communities. Contact us today to arrange for a technician to inspect your water heater for repair or replacement.