Can You Still Use Water If Water Heater Is Leaking

Yes, you can still use water if your water heater is leaking. The concern comes with the leak. The difficulty lies in determining the leak's exact location and how much it has spread to further damage or harm your home and property. So, one should try and limit using as much water as possible until a plumber arrives and repairs the water heater.


Depending on where your tankless water heater leaks or floods, you may still be able to use the appliance after stopping water flow from a leak. If you have a gas unit that floods with gasses such as carbon monoxide, shut off gas supply and open doors and windows for several minutes to air out space before turning on electric appliances again. Unless flooding was due to freezing temperatures which can warp or crack metal tanks, most of these units are typically covered by warranty for this kind of issue.

How Do I Know If The Water Is Leaking?

If there is no water present, you can turn on appliances to test if they work after flooding or leaking.  You may also need to do some preventative measures with this type of problem so it does not happen again. If the heating element in your tankless heater is faulty, you will need to replace it as soon as possible. This will help keep the appliance working efficiently so it does not flood with water again. 

What If My Gas Water Heater Is Leaking?

When a gas-powered unit floods, turn off incoming gas supply and open doors and windows for several minutes to allow poisonous gasses like carbon monoxide to dissipate. Running water down the drain also helps clear out excess dirt and other contaminants so it does not flood the house.

When you have a flood or leak in your tankless water heater, do not turn it back on until repairs are made. Flooding can cause an electrical hazard, while leaks can lead to damage that could create more flooding around electrical components. Note that if your tankless heater is new and never used before leaking or flooding, there may be a defect with the product covered by warranty.

What If My Electric Water Heater Is Leaking?

Water heaters that are electric, like storage models, can be used even if they leak. With these units, the tanks are usually made of plastic instead of metal and rarely crack due to high temperatures inside the heater unless there was already a pre-existing problem with the appliance. If the tank is made of metal, it may have been weakened over time from corrosion or rust and could burst if used so do not use this type of heater until there has been a repair.

If you have an electric water heater that floods, remove standing water as soon as possible with towels or other absorbent materials. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner because this can send any live electrical currents through the air which can cause electrocution. You will need to shut off power before removing one that floods actively.

 
What Are The Costs Of Fixing A Water Heater Leak?

 The final cost of fixing all kinds of gas and electric heaters depends on many factors like how much work it needs, if hot water is needed immediately, etc. Home Advisor estimates most  hot water heater repairs between $220 - $955 . This is a wide average and you're most likely to find yourself on the low end of this range. Bigger repairs like replacing an element in a tankless hot water heater will cost quite a bit more.

Do You Need A Professional To Repair A Water Heater Leak?

 Many people find themselves confronted with a water heater leak and they don't know whether to call a professional or attempt the repair themselves. It's possible for you to perform your own water heater repair; however, it will require you to drain the tank completely. This can be dangerous work because hot water may still remain inside of the tank after you've drained it.

The best bet is to call  Lutz Plumbing  to help in order to avoid injury or additional damage that may occur. We have 24/7 service available so  call today !