How To Prevent Water Heater Leaks

Although the pros at Disaster Kleenup Specialists in Monterey, CA are ready to help you in the event of a water heater leak, we encourage you to minimize your risk through regular inspection and maintenance. We’ve gathered some sound advice to help you prevent water heater leaks in your California home or business.

Regular Maintenance Prevents Disaster

Remember that most water heaters only last for approximately ten years. Some tanks start showing signs of damage several years before that. To maximize your water heater’s life, follow all instructions that came with your unit.

Be sure to drain and flush the tank and inspect the anode rod as often as indicated by the manufacturer.

Checking For Leaks

You should also check your water heater regularly for leaks and water damage in the surrounding area. When performing a maintenance inspection, look for the following signs of a potentially disastrous water heater leak:

Water Pooling On Top Of The Heater
Water Below The Unit, Or On The Stand It Sits On
Dampness On The Heater’s Plumbing Fixtures
Moisture On The Surrounding Walls Or Floor
Rust Anywhere On The Unit

Leaking At The Top Of The Tank

Your water heater can leak in a variety of places. A leak at the top of your heater can indicate a loose pipe fitting, a corroding anode rod, a leaking inlet valve, or temperature and pressure relief valve leak. It may be possible to adjust these manually, but be sure to turn off your electricity or gas first, depending on what type of heater you have.

Better yet, call a professional to assess the problem. Water at the top of the tank may be an indication that the tank itself, and not just a valve, is leaking, which can lead to more severe water damage if not corrected.

Leaking Under Your Water Heater

A leak at the bottom of your hot water tank could be as simple as a drain valve that needs replacing. Or, it could be a sign that the tube that connects to your temperature and pressure valve may be defective.

Repairing this should only be done by a licensed plumber. If water is leaking from a crack or hole in the tank itself, you must replace it very soon or risk a catastrophic failure.

Are Water Heater Leaks Dangerous?

All water heater leaks are potentially dangerous if ignored. Small, slow leaks can lead to unhealthy mold and mildew buildup in the surrounding walls and floor. A water heater that completely fails can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home and possessions.

Flooding around electric wires and appliances can lead to shock or electrocution. In rare instances, a leaking safety valve that fails can lead to pressure buildup resulting in a catastrophic water heater explosion.

I’ve Found a Leak – What Should I Do?

A plumber can replace a broken water heater, but they won’t clean up or do anything to mitigate the damage. If you need flood repair from a failed water heater or you have detected a leak, at Disaster Kleenup Specialists, we are ready to help with both clean up and water damage repair.

Let Us Clean Up Your Monterey Area Home

Your home is your haven. Don’t let the stress of a water heater or other flood or disaster worry you. Our licensed and certified flood repair professionals at Disaster Kleenup Specialists can clean up and repair the damage, so you can go back to enjoying the comfort and safety of your home. Call us today to schedule your water heater leak inspection or cleanup service.