It can be stressful to discover a hot water heater leak. It can be hard to think clearly when water is leaking from the sides or pooling at your feet. We are here to help!

There are some simple things you can do before you call the plumber to fix the leak.

How to deal with a leaking water heater tank

1. Turn off the hot water heater's power supply. For a gas water heater, this switch is located on the heater or the breaker box.
2. Turn off the water supply to the tank. This will prevent further damage. Locate the source of water by turning off the water supply to the tank.
3. Once you have completed these steps, drain the water tank. This can be a complicated process so make sure you follow the instructions.

• Attach a garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the tank. Then, run the hose to the nearest sump pump pit/floor drain.
• To allow water to drain from the tank, open the drain valve.
• If water isn't flowing freely, it might be necessary to open the vacuum valve in the hot water heater. Simply turn on the hot water source in your home.

 4. Keep your tank full and contact a professional for assistance.

Water heater replacement and repair

There may be an easy fix for a leaking water heater. You may need to replace the water heater if it is old or has corroded from sediment and minerals.