What to Do When Your Water Heater Starts Leaking

A water heater leak can be a major headache, but it doesn't have to be a disaster. By following these steps, you can get the situation under control and minimize the damage.

 1. Turn off the power and water supply.

The first thing you need to do is turn off the power and water supply to your water heater. This will help to prevent further damage and make it easier to repair the leak.

• For an electric water heater, locate the breaker box and turn off the breaker that controls the water heater.

• For a gas water heater, turn off the gas valve at the meter.

• Once the power and water are off, locate the shut-off valve on the cold water supply line to the water heater. This valve is usually located near the bottom or top of the tank. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply.

2. Identify the source of the leak.

Once the power and water are off, you can start to identify the source of the leak. Look for any wet spots around the tank or on the pipes. You may also be able to hear the sound of dripping water.

3. Tighten any loose connections.

If the leak is coming from a loose connection, you may be able to fix it yourself by tightening the connection. Use a wrench to tighten the connection until it is snug. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could damage the connection.

4. Replace any faulty parts.

If the leak is coming from a faulty part, such as a valve or a gasket, you will need to replace the part. This is a job that is best left to a professional plumber like us, we are a licensed plumbing and heating company.

5. Call Bertoli Plumbing and Heating.

If you are not comfortable trying to fix the leak yourself, or if the leak is coming from a major component of the water heater, you should call a professional plumber. Our professional plumbers will be able to diagnose the problem and repair the leak quickly and safely.

Tips for preventing water heater leaks

There are a few things you can do to help prevent water heater leaks:

• Regularly inspect your water heater for any signs of leaks.

• Have your water heater serviced by a professional plumber every year.

• Install a water heater leak detector.

• Drain your water heater tank once a year.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of a water heater leak.