What to Do When Your Water Heater Starts Leaking

If your water heater starts leaking, your first priority should be to stop more water from entering the tank. Most units have a shutoff valve on the cold-water line. Depending on the type of valve, you may need to turn a wheel clockwise or rotate a handle to close the supply. If that valve is broken or missing, you may need to shut off your home’s main water valve instead.

After stopping the water supply, you should also shut down the water heater’s power source. For an electric unit, that means turning off the appropriate breaker. For a gas water heater, the dedicated gas supply valve may need to be closed. If you smell gas or are unsure what to do, leave the area and contact a qualified professional rather than guessing.

Keep in mind that the tank may continue leaking because water is still inside it. If a large amount of water is escaping and it is safe to do so, a garden hose can be connected to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and routed to a safe discharge area. Because the water may be very hot, caution is important.

Sun Plumbing has served Brevard County since 1974 and provides residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing service. With trained technicians and Live Dispatch, the company can assist Melbourne-area homeowners with leaking water heaters and other plumbing problems.

Contact Information:

Sun Plumbing

820 E. Seminole Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32901
United States

Chris Baltes
(321) 355-3677
https://www.sunplumbing.com/