Hot Water Heater Leak? Here's What To Do
Key Takeaway
Even a small water heater leak can escalate into flooded floors, damaged drywall, and mold growth if ignored. In rare cases, a faulty pressure relief valve can lead to explosion. If you notice a leak, shut off the water and power supply immediately, then call a plumber. If water has already spread, a water damage restoration company can dry the area and prevent further damage.
Leaky Hot Water Heater
As with the case of any appliance, water heaters have the potential to malfunction and leak water. Not only can this situation leave you without hot water, but it also has the potential to cause water damage and mold growth in your home. If you notice even a small leak, it’s best to take care of the situation right away as the leak will only get worse. If you don’t notice the issue or neglect to get it fixed, it could turn into an emergency water damage situation with flooded floors, damaged drywall, and a serious mold issue.
Are Leaking Hot Water Heaters Dangerous?
This is a common question from concerned homeowners. The short answer is yes, it’s potentially dangerous. When water heats up, pressure builds within the tank, which is then supposed to be released by the safety valve. In the rare case that this security valve isn’t working properly, the appliance has the potential to explode. Therefore, it’s best to have a leaking hot water heater tank checked as soon as possible.
More likely, the outcome will be that your home will become damaged by the leaking water. Most building materials are quite porous and will soak up the water and damage the material. A steady stream of hot water is also an ideal environment for mold growth. If the area around your tank is wet, you may want to consult with a water damage contractor.
What To Do When a Hot Water Heater Leaks
If you’ve determined that your water heater leak is beyond your comfort level and skill set, it’s advisable to call a professional plumber and ask them to arrive at your home right away.
If you’re capable and want to take some mitigating steps before a plumber arrives, you can take the following steps:
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Turn off the water supply: If your water heater is leaking, it’s recommended to turn off the water to your tank. Your water heater tank should have a dedicated shutoff valve. In the case that the valve is broken, your home has a main water shutoff that you can utilize to stop water from flowing to your entire home.
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Turn off the power supply: The power supply will either be gas or electric. If it’s electric, you can use the circuit breaker to cut the power to the tank, and if it’s gas, there should be a dedicated valve to cut the gas supply.
Who to Call When Your Hot Water Heater Leaks
When you’re dealing with a leaking hot water heater you’ll at least have to call a licensed plumber to come fix the leak or replace the tank. You may also need to call a water damage restoration company in the case that the leaking tank has flooded your floor. An emergency water damage mitigation company will be available 24/7 to dry the affected area and limit damage to your home.
KPM Restoration – Water Damage Specialist
KPM Restoration is an IICRC certified, licensed and insured water damage restoration company based in Malta, NY outside of Saratoga Springs. We have cleaned up, dried and repaired water damage originating from hot water heater tanks hundreds of times. It’s a very common issue that we come across. We can also clean up water leaks from any other source, such as overflowing toilets, septic backups, leaky pipes, burst pipes, leaky roofs, flooded basements and more.
If you need emergency water damage service in the Capital Region of NY, including the cities of Albany, Latham, Colonie, Troy, Schenectady, Clifton Park, Amsterdam, Malta, Saratoga Springs, Queensbury, Glens Falls and the surrounding Upstate New York area, contact us today: (518) 859-9769.