What To Do When Your Water Heater Is Leaking
Water leaks are a common issue for homeowners in New Jersey, especially with the temperature changes that put extra strain on plumbing systems. If you’ve noticed a small puddle around your water heater or a slow drip from the tank, don’t ignore it. Leaks can quickly become bigger problems. At Binsky Home Service, we know how important hot water is for your daily routine, and we’re here to help you understand what to do next. Follow these simple steps to protect your home and determine when to call a professional.
If your water heater is leaking, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact Binsky Home Service today to schedule a repair or replacement in New Jersey.
Reasons Your Water Heater Is Leaking
There are a few common reasons your water heater may start leaking. Some of the most likely causes include:
- Loose or worn connections: Over time, the pipes or fittings attached to your water heater can become loose or worn out, causing water to leak.
- Too much pressure: If the pressure inside the tank gets too high, it can force water out through small cracks or the safety valve.
- Sediment buildup: Hard water can leave sediment at the bottom of the tank, which can lead to leaks or rust.
- Cracks in the tank: As your water heater gets older, the tank can develop cracks from rust or from expanding and contracting when heating up.
- Broken pressure relief valve: The pressure relief valve keeps things safe by releasing excess pressure, but if it’s broken, it could cause a leak.
If your water heater is leaking, determining the cause can help you take the right steps to repair it.
Steps To Take When Your Water Heater Is Leaking
If your water heater starts leaking, acting fast can help prevent damage to your home. Here’s what you should do:
- Turn off the power or gas: If you have an electric water heater, turn off the power at the breaker. For a gas water heater, turn off the gas. This keeps things safe and stops the heater from running while it’s leaking.
- Turn off the water supply: Find the cold-water valve that feeds water into the heater and turn it off. This will prevent more water from entering the tank and leaking out.
- Drain the tank: If the leak is large, drain the water heater to avoid more water damage. You can do this by attaching a hose to the drainage valve and letting the water flow into a drain or bucket.
- Look for the source of the leak: Check around the heater and the pipes to see if you can spot where the leak is coming from. If it’s from a loose pipe or fitting, tightening it may stop the leak for now.
- Check the pressure relief valve: If the leak comes from the pressure relief valve, it could be a sign of too much pressure inside the tank. If this is the issue, the valve may need to be replaced.
- Inspect the tank for cracks: If the leak is coming from the bottom of the tank, it could be due to a crack or rust. In this case, the water heater may need to be replaced.
- Call a professional: If the leak doesn’t stop or if the tank is cracked, it’s time to call a professional plumber. At Binsky Home Service, we can quickly find the problem and recommend the best fix.
Choose Binsky Home Service for Water Heater Repair
At Binsky Home Service, we’re proud to offer fast, reliable water heater repair to homeowners in Central New Jersey. With over 85 years of experience, our family-owned business provides honest pricing, trained technicians, and same- or next-day appointments to get your water heater back in top shape.
Don’t let a leaking water heater disrupt your Somerset home. Contact Binsky Home Service today to schedule your repair and get back to enjoying reliable hot water.
