hot water knob

What to Do When Your Hot Water Heater Leaks

A leaking water heater may seem like a small problem now, but can quickly turn into a big issue. Even the smallest amount of water can damage your floors and walls. In more extreme cases, a leak can cause significant flooding that leads to expensive repair bills and damaged property. At A1 Service Plumbing in the Orlando and Apopka areas, we help you repair or replace all types of water heaters. Learn what to do in the event of a water heater leak or reach out to a member of our skilled team for more information about our services. 

What causes a water heater leak?

A variety of things can cause your water heater to break down and leak. Sometimes, a leak is the result of many issues at once. Find out about some of the most common reasons in the list below. Keep in mind that the most efficient way to determine the cause is to contact a skilled technician at A1 Service Plumbing. 

  • Corrosion: when sediment builds up in the system, this can cause corrosion or holes in the bottom of the tank. 
  • Loose water line connections: wear and tear may loosen the water lines, causing leaks. This issue is normally fixed by tightening the loose water lines.
  • Broken valves: this usually causes water leaks from the bottom of the tank. A broken valve simply needs to be repaired or replaced. 

What should I do when I find a leak? 

Water heaters can last for years, but even the most high-quality brands can leak when put under enough pressure. This doesn’t necessarily mean the system needs replacing, but it is important to address the source of the leak as soon as possible. The exact point of a leak may be hard to find if the leak is slow, or if the unit is wrapped with an insulating blanket. 

The first thing you should do when you find a leak is to turn off the energy source of the tank for a safe inspection. You can turn off the water by using the valve of the system or by shutting off the main water valve of your home. If you are unable to accomplish these tasks or locate either valve, please give us a call at A1 Service Plumbing so we can help you right away. 

Draining the water tank is an option that helps prevent further damage to your property. Although your technician will drain your tank when they begin to work on your system, some of our clients have experience doing this on their own. However, if you are not confident in this final step, our staff are happy to take care of draining the tank for you. 

Fix your water heater leaks

A1 Service Plumbing offers convenient 24-hour emergency water heater service in case of a leak or other serious issue. Allow our expert technicians to diagnose and repair your water heater in a timely manner. Our friendly team is proud to offer solutions to residents in Orlando and Apopka, Florida. All you have to do is contact our staff and see the excellence for yourself!