Water Heater Leaking: Safety First, Repair or Replace, and How to Hire a Plumber

Prioritize Safety When a Water Heater Leaks

Your safety is the most important thing. Pay close attention to any unusual smells or sounds, and protect yourself from hot water.

If You Smell Gas

If your water heater is gas-powered and you smell natural gas, leave your home immediately. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin advises that you should go to a safe distance outdoors. From there, call your local gas utility’s emergency number or 911. Do not hesitate to report a gas leak. Natural gas can move and quickly build up in buildings. Do not use cell phones, lights, appliances, cars, flames, or sparks near a suspected gas leak. These can cause the gas to ignite. Natural gas has an odor added to it to help you detect leaks. Some people describe the smell as rotten eggs, sulfur, or garlic. A leak can also make a hissing sound near a gas appliance, meter, or pipeline.

Appliance Safety

Most appliances should be installed by qualified professionals. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that you should never service fuel-burning appliances without the proper knowledge, skills, and tools. This helps prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Always make sure appliances are installed and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes.

Scald Safety

Hot water can cause severe burns. The CPSC says that most injuries and deaths from tap water scalds happen to the elderly and children under the age of five. To reduce or eliminate the risk of most tap water scald injuries, the CPSC urges all users to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Never take hot water temperature for granted. Always hand-test water before using it, especially when bathing infants and young children.

Decide: Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

Before an emergency forces a quick decision, it’s helpful to know the signs that your water heater may be failing. This gives you more choices.

Warning Signs Your Water Heater May Be Failing

ENERGY STAR points out several common red flags that suggest a water heater may be failing:

• Visible corrosion: Look for rust or deterioration on the outside of the tank or connections.
• Water leaking: Any water leaking from joints, seals, or seams is a serious sign. A water heater is a closed system, so moisture outside it means something is breaking down. A leak can get worse and damage the area around it.
• Rust in your water: If you see rusty water coming from your faucets, it could mean the inside of your water heater is corroding.
• Lack of hot water: If you don’t have enough hot water, it could be due to sediment building up inside the tank.
• Rumbling noises: Unusual rumbling sounds from the tank should be checked out.

Ignoring these issues can lead to sudden failure. In some cases, the tank could rupture and cause water damage. A sudden failure often means you’ll need an emergency replacement, which typically limits your options to less efficient models.

When to Consider Replacement

If your water heater is more than 10 years old, ENERGY STAR suggests it’s time to consider replacing it. The date of manufacture is sometimes printed on the tank label where the serial number is. Replacing your water heater before an emergency gives you time to research and choose the best option for your home.

Considering a Heat Pump Water Heater

If your current water heater uses gas, oil, or propane, switching to an electric heat pump water heater removes a potential source of carbon monoxide from your home. ENERGY STAR says that in most homes, a heat pump water heater can be installed where your current water heater sits. However, it has specific requirements:

• Air access: It needs enough surrounding air to work at its best. A water heater in a small closet might need a full louvered door.
• Size: It is generally a bit larger than a standard water heater.
• Drainage: It produces a small amount of condensate water that must go to a nearby drain or a special pump.
• Temperature: It usually works best in a space that doesn’t regularly get colder than 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

Your installer will determine the correct setup based on the manufacturer’s instructions.

Steps to Hiring a Plumber

When you need to hire a professional, follow these steps to make a good choice.

Checklist for Hiring a Plumber

• Check for License and Insurance: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises considering only contractors who are licensed and insured. Confirm a contractor’s license with your state or county government. Ask the contractor for proof of insurance.
• Get Written Estimates: The FTC advises getting written estimates from several firms. Remember, the lowest bid may not always be the best choice.
• Discuss Water Temperature: Ask the plumber to set your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce the risk of scalds, as recommended by the CPSC.

Prepare for the Next Time

Being ready for a water heater issue can save you stress and potential damage.

Regular Maintenance and Checks

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program suggests that you visually inspect your water heater regularly for leaks, aged gaskets, loose connections, or corrosion. To ensure all parts of your water heater are checked, it may be best to hire a professional to service it at least once a year.

Know Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Ready.gov, from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, says it is important for everyone in your household to know how to shut off the main water valve to the house. Find the shut-off valve for the main water line that enters your house. Tag it so it’s easy to find, and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is. Make sure you can close the valve completely. If your valve is rusted open or does not close all the way, Ready.gov says to replace it. The main house valve is not the street valve in the cement box at the curb. The street valve is very hard to turn and needs a special tool.

When this advice may not fit

This advice may not be enough if you are dealing with a gas leak, believe there are structural issues, or suspect the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos or lead. If you are unsure about how to safely handle any part of the situation, especially if it involves fuel lines, the electrical panel, or if the leak is severe and causing significant damage, you should immediately contact a qualified professional. The CPSC recommends that most fuel-burning appliances be installed and serviced by qualified professionals with the proper knowledge, skills, and tools. Do not attempt to work on gas lines, the electrical panel, or structural parts of your home yourself.