While a hot water heater should last you 10-12 years, there is a chance it could develop a leak. A leak may seem like a minor annoyance, but it may be a symptom of a larger problem. Not to mention the damage water can cause to your floors, sub-floors, and walls! If your hot water heater is leaking, there are a few steps you should take:

Turn off the power to your water heater

If you have an electric unit, go to your electrical panel and switch the breaker labeled “water heater” off. Electricity and water are a bad combination, so be sure to cut the power right away!

If your unit is natural gas, it will have on/off switch or dial on the thermostat. Turn the setting to “off” or “pilot” to shut off the gas flow to the heater.

Shut off the water supply

Locate the cold water line leading to your unit. It will have a shut-off valve on the line that you either pull down or turn clockwise to close. This will prevent a major flood should your heater suffer a catastrophic failure. If you have a serious leak and cannot safely reach the shut-off valve, you will have to locate the main shut-off to your home. This will prevent a worsening catastrophe until your New Castle County plumber arrives.

Warning: Water heaters are factory-set to a temperature of 125°F, which is hot enough to inflict first degree burns on contact. If your unit has been turned up to maximum temperature, contact with heated water can result in serious injuries. If you feel you cannot safely move around your unit, call your New Castle County plumber right away.

Drain the water tank

This isn’t as complicated as it sounds: simply take a shower. Or do the dishes; wash some laundry – anything to use up the hot water in the tank. This will help keep the water in the tank from leaking out into your home until your New Castle County plumber arrives.

Call Gold Star!

When it comes to water heater repairs in New Castle County, Gold Star is a full-service plumbing contractor with the courteous and highly trained staff to handle all your plumbing needs.

“I called Gold Star at 10:30 AM this morning concerning replacement of a leaking water heater. Sean showed up at 1:00 PM with the exact heater we needed and by 3:00 PM we have hot water again. Everyone I talked to was very friendly and accommodating. Well done, Gold Star.”
– George E.

A water heater leak is not something that will go away over time, so call your New Castle County plumber right away at 1-302-947-8694.