Guide
Water Heater Leaking or Flooding: What to Do
How to stop a leaking water heater safely, what to expect from cleanup and how to prevent future tank failures.
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Tell the operator your city, what happened and whether water is still running. You will be connected with a local provider that covers your area.
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- Give your city and ZIP code
- Say what happened and if water is still running
- Ask the company about its license and insurance
Quick answer
Turn off power or gas to the heater, close the cold water supply valve to the tank, drain if needed and call for cleanup if water has spread.
- Shut off the electric breaker or gas valve
- Close the cold water inlet valve on top of the tank
- If the tank is leaking heavily, attach a hose to the drain valve and drain it to a safe location
- Mop up and ventilate
- Photograph the area
- Call a plumber and a water damage crew if floors or walls are wet
Why tanks fail
Sediment buildup, corrosion, age and high water pressure. Many tank water heaters last roughly eight to twelve years.
Prevention
- Flush the tank on the schedule in the manual
- Install a drain pan with a line to a safe drain
- Replace the unit before it gets very old
- Place a leak sensor next to it
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