Water Heater Leaking? What to Do Immediately to Save Your Home
There are few things as stressful for a homeowner in Cape Coral or Fort Myers as walking into the garage or utility closet and seeing a pool of water surrounding the water heater. Whether it’s a slow drip or a sudden flood, a leaking water heater is an emergency that requires immediate action.
In our Florida climate, standing water doesn't just damage your flooring and drywall—it can lead to rapid mold growth and structural issues. If you’ve discovered a leak, don’t panic. Follow these critical steps immediately to protect your home and your safety.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power Source
Safety is the absolute priority. Because water and electricity (or gas) are a dangerous combination, you must shut off the energy source to the unit before you do anything else.
For Electric Water Heaters: Go to your home’s circuit breaker panel and find the switch labeled "Water Heater." Flip it to the OFF position. This prevents the heating elements from burning out once the tank starts to empty and eliminates the risk of electrical shock.
For Gas Water Heaters: Locate the thermostat dial on the side of the tank. Turn the knob to the OFF or PILOT position. If you smell gas (a "rotten egg" odor), leave the house immediately and call for emergency help.
Step 2: Shut Off the Water Supply
Once the power is off, you need to stop more water from entering the tank. This will prevent the leak from getting worse.
Look for the cold water pipe leading into the top of your water heater. You should see a valve—it will either be a handle you turn (gate valve) or a lever you pull (ball valve).
Turn it clockwise (if it's a handle) or 90 degrees (if it's a lever) to stop the flow.
If the valve is stuck or rusted: Don’t force it, as it might break. Instead, find the main water shut-off valve for your entire house and turn it off there.
Step 3: Identify the Source of the Leak
Now that the situation is stable, try to see where the water is coming from. Not all leaks mean you need a brand-new unit!
The T&P Valve: This is the Temperature and Pressure relief valve near the top. If water is dripping from the pipe attached to it, the valve might be faulty, or your tank might be overheating. This is often a repairable issue.
Pipe Connections: Check the inlet and outlet pipes at the top. Sometimes, a simple loose connection or a worn-out seal is the culprit.
The Bottom of the Tank: If water is seeping directly from the bottom of the tank’s jacket, this usually indicates internal corrosion. In this case, the tank has "failed," and the unit will likely need to be replaced.
Step 4: Drain the Tank (If Necessary)
If the leak is significant and the water is still flowing out even with the supply valve off, you may need to drain the tank to prevent further flooding.
Attach a standard garden hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of the heater.
Run the other end of the hose to a floor drain or outside to the driveway.
Open the drain valve (you may need a flathead screwdriver) and open a hot water faucet somewhere in the house to let air in, which helps the tank drain faster.
Step 5: Call the Experts at Affordable Air & Plumbing
A leaking water heater is not a DIY project you should leave for later. Whether it’s a minor valve repair or a full tank replacement, you need a licensed professional to ensure the job is done safely and according to local Cape Coral and Fort Myers building codes.
At Affordable Air & Plumbing, we specialize in rapid-response water heater services. We can help you determine if your unit can be saved or if it’s time for a more efficient upgrade, such as a tankless model.
Is your water heater acting up? Don’t wait for the puddle to become a flood. Contact us today for emergency water heater repair or replacement!
