DYI Fix A Leaking Water Heater

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

DYI Leaking Hot Water Tank Fix

How to Fix a Leaking Water Heater

Waking up to a broken water heater can be a nasty surprise, especially when it happens in the middle of a busy morning. Usually, problems start when someone does a lousy job installing the hot tank, resulting in a premature leak. That, combined with a bad pressure release valve, are the leading causes of hot cylinder issues in the Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater,  WA area.
Things you’ll need to fix a leaking water heater:

• Socket wrench
• Hose
• Teflon tape
  
  

Disconnect the Power Supply

Safety comes first in every DIY project. In this case, turn off the electricity supply coming to the tank. It is as easy as finding the switch labeled “tank” on the main circuit breaker and flipping it to off position. That mitigates the risk of electric shock, especially when working on a failed hot water heater.
The same applies to gas-powered tanks. You have to find the valve that kills the gas supply and turn it off.

Drain Some Water

Next, you will need to drain the failed water tank partially. To do so, turn off the water supply, open a faucet to release some pressure, then turn on the drain valve. Depending on the tank size, you might have to empty the bucket three to four times before reaching the desired ¾ mark. This procedure will release some pressure from the tank, making it safe for this little project.

Remove the Valve

The culprit in a leaking water heater is typically a faulty valve. Use a wrench to loosen the old fitting and replace it with a new one. However, don’t forget to use Teflon tape on the threads before screwing it in place. Finally, please turn on the cold water supply and power to test it.
Fixing a leaking water heater is a DIY-friendly project that can save you money. Just remember to do regular maintenance to avoid unpleasant situations in the future. Don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Olympia (360)754-9689 to help with the water clean up the Hot Water Tank may have caused.