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Grand Lake Plumbing
Grand Lake Plumbing Grand County CO
970-627-3441
Wednesday, 08 July 2020 23:47

Leaking Water Heater? Here's What To Do.

Water Heater Service

A leaking water heater can range from a small, barely noticeable drip to a full-blown flood. Either way, the damage to your home and property can be expensive; ranging from damage to ceilings and floors, to unhealthy mold and mildew.

If you notice water accumulating near your water heater, it may not actually be coming from the water heater. Nearby appliances and condensation on pipes near the water heater can also cause moisture to accumulate nearby. To determine if the water heater is the source of the moisture, closely inspect the base of the water heater and valves for signs of leaks or excessive rust.

If you determine the water heater is the cause of the leak, the first step is to turn off power to the water heater. If you have an electric water heater, turn the power off from the circuit breaker. A gas water heater can be shut of from the power supply attached to the unit, usually by turning the gas supply knob to the off position. Next, turn off the water supply to the water heater at the cold water shut-off valve, located near the top of the water heater.

Water heater leaks can occur in several locations, including: the cold water inlet and hot water outlet, the pressure relief valve, the drain valve, and the bottom of the tank. Fixing a water heater is not a do-it-yourself project. A qualified plumber should make the repair. Depending on the location and severity of the leak, your plumber will either have to repair the water heater, or recommend replacing it.

Detecting Water Heater Leaks With a Leak Alarm

In the Grand County area, many homes are occupied for only part of the year. With wide fluctuations in temperatures, plumbing problems can arise if systems are not properly shutoff during extended periods of disuse.

If the water heater is located on an upper level of the home, it's important to have a drain pan connected to a drain line to divert any leaks and prevent water damage.

There are also special water leak alarms that can turn off the water when a leak is detected from the water heater or another source. For the ultimate protection from water leans throughout your home, Grand Lake Plumbing installs WaterCop® Automatic Water Shutoff Systems. The WaterCop system utilizes an automatic shut-off valve installed on the water supply line. When sensors detect a leak, a signal is instantly sent to the automatic shut-off valve to close the main water line. Water flow is quickly stopped, reducing the chance of major water damage.

 



Last modified on Wednesday, 15 July 2020 16:19
  • "Thank you for the service. I want to let you know the technician Sawyer was professional, thorough and fixed our problem in less than 1 hour. I will recommend GL Plumbing to others."
    – L.M. 10/25/16
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