A hot water heater leak can cause severe stress. It can be very difficult to think clearly if water is pooling around your feet or leaking from one side of the tank. Do not worry! We are here for you.

Before calling the plumber to repair the problem and find the source, there are some things you can do that will help prevent further damage.

What should you do if your water heater is leaking?

1. First, shut off the water heater's power source. This can be found on the water heater if it's a gas heater (turn the switch to "OFF" or "Pilot"), or on an electric heater's breaker box.
2.  To prevent any further damage, turn off the water once the tank has been turned off. You can locate the source of water using a valve located on the cold water line that leads to the tank.
3. After these steps have been completed, you can drain the water tank. This can be a complex process, so ensure you carefully follow the directions.

• Attach a garden hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of the tank. Run the hose to either the sump pump pit nearby or the floor drain.

• Turn on the drain valve to let the water out of the tank.

• If the hot water heater is preventing water from flowing freely, you may need to blow the vacuum. Turn on any hot water supply in your house to do this.

If your tank is empty, turn off the power and call a professional to get it back up and running.

Water heater repair and replacement

A simple fix may be possible if your water heater leaks. If the heater is old or the tank's interior is corroded by minerals and sediment, it may be worth replacing it.