Here’s What To Do When Your Water Heater Is Leaking – Guide
The first thing we notice when inspecting a home for a water heater leak is that the homeowner has waited too much. They see black mold or water damage seeping through walls and floors. This post is about what to do when your water heater is leaking. Follow this guide and learn what you need to do.
Water Heater Leaking
The first thing we notice when inspecting a home for a water heater leak is that the homeowner has waited too much. They see water damage or black mold going through walls and floors. We were called to a house with black mold, musty smells, and water seeping in the garage and laundry area walls. With an LED flashlight, we quickly inspected the heater’s bottom and found that it was slowly leaking. They then filed an insurance claim.
Water Heater Insurance Claims
Not all insurance claims are approved because of long-term damages. Insurance companies typically only cover sudden or burst causes. It cost over $7,000 to dry the property, remove black mold, demolish the house, and restore it to its original condition. Contact the 911 Restoration of Central Maryland at (410) 280-7271 to discuss your insurance needs. This case study was meant to encourage you to conduct periodic inspections to ensure you don’t have to incur a large expense or inconvenience.
Quick Water Heater Navigation
- Your home’s water pressure should be checked. It should not exceed 85 psi. Water heaters can leak if the pressure is higher than 130 psi.
- Find the source of the leak
- Switch off the power
- Turn off water supply
- Locate the source of the leak
- Repair or replacement
How To Find A Water Heater Leak
The first step is to start at the top and inspect the hot and cold supply lines. You can wipe the connections with your hand. Then you can check if moisture has gotten onto your skin. These leaks could seep through the insulation and eventually reach the bottom of your water heater. This can lead to the perception that the water heater has sprung a leak, even though it was only a leak from the top.
The Fix
- Turn off the water valve that is located above your water heater
- Make sure to unplug any power sources that are connected to the water heater’s recirculation pump.
- Turn on your hot water and test it. It’s safe and easy to disconnect the old water heater supply lines.
- Water flex connectors can be replaced with a stainless-steel supply line
After you have replaced them, turn on your water heater slowly. 911 Restoration of Central Maryland can help you if this seems difficult.
Plumbers Cost
It costs between $250 and $475 to replace your water heater flex connectors. We encourage you to first identify the leakage in your water heater if you are certain that the top isn’t leaking.
Best Water Heater Companies Near You
Many water heater companies specialize in water heater replacements and repairs. Most plumbers are not able to do a better job and charge a lower price. There are two types of water heaters: tankless and traditional tank styles.
Water Heater Replacement Costs
In case your water heater leaks or needs to be replaced, here are some estimates for a new heater. The following is a typical breakdown for a 40- to 50-gallon water heating system:
- Water heater: $650-$950
- Misc Materials: $450
- Drain and haul away: 150
- Labor: $500-$1,000
It can go up to $1,500-$2,500 if it is a 75-gallon water heater. We hope you found this information helpful in solving your water heater leakage issues. For more information, call 911 Restoration of Central Maryland at (410) 280-7271.
