If your water heater suddenly springs a leak, you may think it’s a sign that it’s about to fail completely. In many cases, you’re right. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to avoid this inconvenience. If your water heater is leaking, there’s a good chance that it’s due for repair or replacement. While this may seem like bad news, it’s actually a chance to get a new model that may be better suited to your home than the one you have now. Here are some things to do if your water heater suddenly springs a leak:

Check for obvious signs of trouble

The first thing to do when you notice a water leak is to check for obvious signs of damage. Is the water coming out of the faucet while the water heater is running? Are droplets of water appearing around the water heater’s base? Are there puddles of water in the room that the water heater is in? If you find any of these, you’ll know that it’s time to call in a professional to repair or replace your water heater.

Turn the water off and call in an expert

If you notice a water leak, or if you’ve identified a problem with your water heater that needs repair or replacement, the first thing to do is turn the water off and call in an expert. If your water heater is leaking, there’s a good chance that it will need to be replaced. If the water heater has a problem that can be fixed, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible so that you don’t end up with a water shortage.If you live in a multi-unit building, you may be able to get the landlord to pay for the repair. If not, you may want to think about getting a renter’s insurance policy that includes water damage coverage. You may even find that your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover the cost of a water heater repair.

Go over your water heater with a fine-toothed comb

If you notice that your water heater is leaking, the first thing to do is go over the water heater with a fine-toothed comb. Look for obvious signs of damage, including hairline cracks in the tank or other parts of the water heater. If you find that the water heater has obvious signs of damage, it’s likely that you’ll need to replace it. If you have a home warranty, you may be able to get the water heater replaced at no cost.

Plan for the future

Before you replace your water heater, you should make a plan for the future. You’ll want to consider things like how long you think your water will last, how many people will be using water in the house, and the kind of water temperature you want. If you’re in the process of moving, you may want to replace your water heater before the move so that you don’t run out of hot water.

Conclusion

Leaking water heaters are a pain, and they often go undetected until it’s too late to do anything about it. If you have a leaking water heater, there is a chance that it could cause extensive damage to your home. The best way to avoid this is to keep an eye out for warning signs and get it fixed as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Question

While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)
Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket. Regular water heater maintenance will always extend its lifespan.
  • You're overusing hot water.
  • The water heater tank size is too small for your household.
  • Your hot water heater is tankless.
  • Sediment or minerals have built up in your water heating system.
Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.