What is what to do when your water heater is leaking?

Okay, here's information about what to do when your water heater is leaking, formatted in markdown with links:

What to Do When Your Water Heater is Leaking

A leaking water heater can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply: This is the most crucial first step. Locate the cold water inlet valve on top of the water heater and turn it off. This will stop more water from entering the tank and worsening the leak. You may also need to turn off the main water supply to your house, find information about that on this link: Turning%20Off%20Main%20Water.

2. Turn Off the Power: For electric water heaters, switch off the circuit breaker that controls the water heater at your electrical panel. For gas water heaters, turn the gas control valve to the "off" position. Never touch electrical components near water to avoid electrocution. See this link for more information: Electrical%20Safety.

3. Assess the Leak: Try to identify the source of the leak. Is it coming from:

   • The top of the tank (connections)?
   • The bottom of the tank (corrosion)?
   • The pressure relief valve?
   • A drain valve?

   This assessment will help determine the severity of the problem. You can find more information on assessing the damage in this page: Damage%20Assessment.

4. Drain the Tank (If Necessary): If the leak is significant or you suspect internal damage, you may need to drain the tank partially or fully. Attach a hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the tank and run the hose to a safe drainage area (e.g., a floor drain or outside). Open the drain valve to allow water to flow out. Be careful, the water may be hot! You should read about safety precautions on this link: Safety%20Precausions.

5. Call a Professional: Leaking water heaters often indicate a serious problem, such as corrosion or a failing component. It is highly recommended to call a qualified plumber to diagnose the issue and perform necessary repairs or replacement. Attempting to fix it yourself without proper knowledge could lead to further damage or safety hazards. Here's more information about plumbers: Hiring%20Plumbers.

6. Prevent Further Damage: While waiting for the plumber, take steps to minimize water damage. Place buckets or towels to catch dripping water and protect surrounding areas. If you are draining the water heater, keep monitoring it.

7. Consider Replacement: If your water heater is old (typically 8-12 years or older) or the tank is corroded, replacement might be the most cost-effective option. A plumber can advise you on the best course of action. Read this page to learn more about water heater replacements: Water%20Heater%20Replacements.