What to Do When Your Water Heater Leaks
- bayareaplumbing
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
By Bay Area Plumbing – Trusted Water Heater Experts in San Francisco
A leaking water heater is more than just an inconvenience—it can cause water damage, mold growth, and even lead to a total system failure if not handled quickly. If you’ve discovered water pooling around your water heater, don’t panic. This guide from Bay Area Plumbing will walk you through exactly what to do next to protect your home and avoid costly repairs.
🚨 Step 1: Turn Off the Power
For Electric Water Heaters:
Locate your breaker box and shut off the circuit breaker labeled “Water Heater.”For Gas Water Heaters:
Find the gas shut-off valve on the water line connected to your heater and turn it clockwise to close it.
🔒 Safety first: Never attempt repairs while the unit is still powered or hot.
🚰 Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the cold water shut-off valve on top of your heater.
Turn the valve clockwise to stop water from flowing into the tank.If the valve is stuck or leaking, shut off your home's main water supply instead.
🕵️ Step 3: Identify the Leak Source
Check for water at the following points:
Top of the tank: Could be a loose pipe fitting or faulty valve.
Bottom of the tank: Might be the drain valve or the tank itself (bad news).
Around the pressure relief valve: Could mean excessive pressure or a faulty T&P valve.
Condensation: If it's a small amount of water in humid weather, it may not be a real leak.
🛠️ Step 4: Take Temporary Measures
While waiting for a plumber:
Place a bucket or pan under the leak.
Towel up water to avoid floor damage.
Keep the area ventilated to prevent mold and mildew.
📞 Step 5: Call a Professional Plumber in San Francisco
Leaks can mean anything from a minor valve issue to a failing tank that needs replacement.Let the pros at Bay Area Plumbing handle it.
We offer:
Emergency water heater repairs
Gas and electric water heater replacement
Tankless water heater installation
Full diagnostics and leak detection
🛠️ Call Bay Area Plumbing at (415) 668-8000 or [Book an Appointment Online].
🔄 Bonus: Prevent Future Water Heater Leaks
Flush your tank once a year to prevent sediment buildup.
Replace the anode rod every 3–5 years.
Test the pressure relief valve regularly.
Install a drip pan and water alarm for early leak detection.
📍 Serving San Francisco & Surrounding Areas
From the Sunset District to the Inner or Outer Richmond, Bay Area Plumbing is your go-to for reliable water heater repair and installation in San Francisco. Our licensed plumbers are fast, professional, and local.
Need Help Right Now?📞 Call Bay Area Plumbing or request service online to stop that leak fast.
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