Discovering a leak in your water heater can be frustrating—and potentially damaging to your home. Left unchecked, even a small leak can lead to mold, structural damage, and higher utility bills. Whether it’s a small drip or a growing puddle, you need to act fast to prevent water damage and restore your hot water supply. If you’ve noticed your water heater leaking in Edmonton, here’s what to do next to protect your home and your peace of mind.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply
First things first: locate the cold water shut-off valve on your water heater. It’s typically found above the unit. Turn it off to prevent more water from entering the tank and making the leak worse. If the valve is stuck or difficult to reach, you may need to shut off your home’s main water supply instead.
Step 2: Turn Off the Power or Gas
For electric water heaters, switch off the breaker labeled “water heater” in your electrical panel. If you have a gas model, turn the gas valve to the “off” position. This step is crucial for safety—leaks and electricity or gas don’t mix.
Step 3: Identify the Source of the Leak
Leaks can happen for a number of reasons. Some of the most common sources include:
- Loose drain valves
- Corroded or cracked tank
- A faulty temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve
- Leaky plumbing connections
Carefully inspect the unit. If water is dripping from the top, it could be a fitting. If it’s pooling around the base, it may be the tank itself, especially if it’s over 10 years old.
Step 4: Drain the Tank
If the leak is significant or the tank is full, draining it can help prevent further water damage. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run the hose outside or to a floor drain. Open the valve and allow the tank to empty.
Important: Be cautious—water inside may still be hot. Let the unit cool before draining if needed.
Step 5: Call a Professional
Some minor leaks can be fixed with a quick repair, tightening a valve, or replacing a faulty part. But if the tank itself is corroded or cracked, replacement is likely the only safe and long-term solution. In many cases, calling a professional is the best route to ensure the issue is diagnosed and resolved correctly the first time.
That’s where we come in. At WeatherMakers Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we know how stressful plumbing issues can be, especially when they disrupt your daily routine. Our licensed technicians are experienced in diagnosing and repairing all types of water heater problems, and we’ll give you honest advice on whether it’s worth repairing or replacing your system.
We also offer 24/7 emergency plumbing service—because leaks don’t wait for a convenient time.
Don’t Wait—Take Action Today
A leaking water heater won’t fix itself—and the longer you wait, the more damage it can cause. From minor repairs to full replacements, we’re here to make sure you’re never without hot water when you need it most.
Contact WeatherMakers Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Ensuring Your Comfort… For Life!