What to Do When Your Water Heater Leaks
Water spreading across the floor is stressful, but the first two minutes matter more than how fast you can get someone on the phone. Here is exactly what to do, in order.
Step 1: Shut Off the Cold Water Supply
Find the valve at the top of the tank where the cold water line enters, and turn it clockwise until it stops. This alone often slows or stops the leak, since you are cutting off what is feeding the tank.
Step 2: Cut Power or Gas to the Unit
For electric units, switch off the breaker labeled for the water heater. For gas units, turn the control knob to pilot or off. Running an element or burner with a leaking tank is a real safety risk, not just a water damage one.
Step 3: Contain What You Can
Towels, a shop vac, or anything to slow water from spreading to flooring or drywall while you wait. Do not try to move or tilt the tank yourself, a full tank is extremely heavy and an unstable move can make the leak worse.
Step 4: Call for Help
Once the water and power or gas are off, the emergency is contained and you can wait safely for a technician without the situation getting worse. This is when to call.
Dealing with a leak right now? Call (877) 560-1148.