Water Heater Services in Montebello, CA

Leaking Water Heaters

Water Heater Leaking From the Bottom: What to Do First

Shut it down before anything else: close the cold-water valve on the pipe at the top of the heater, then turn the gas control knob to off, or switch off the breaker for an electric heater. A tank keeps refilling as it leaks, so the water keeps coming until the supply is closed, and a heater that keeps running on a draining tank can be damaged.

• Close the cold-water supply valve: on the inlet pipe at the top of the heater. If it will not turn, use the main shutoff for the house.
• Turn off the gas or the power: the gas control knob on the front of the heater to off, or the breaker for an electric heater.
• Move anything that can be damaged: and put towels down. If water is spreading toward drywall or flooring, that is why we answer the phone at any hour.
• Look for where the water is coming from: the drain valve near the bottom, the relief valve's discharge pipe, the fittings on top, or the tank itself. That decides whether it is a repair or a replacement.

Repair or Replace a Water Heater That Is Leaking From the Bottom?

If the water is coming from the tank itself, it is a new water heater, every time: the steel tank has corroded through from the inside, and there is no patch that holds. If it is coming from a fitting or a valve, it is usually a small repair.

What the leak location tells you:

• The drain valve at the bottom: a drain valve that drips, or was never fully closed after a flush, is a repair. The valve is replaced and the tank stays.
• The relief valve's discharge pipe: the temperature and pressure relief valve lets water out on purpose when the tank gets too hot or the pressure climbs too high. Regular dripping means the valve has failed or the house's water pressure is too high; both are repairs.
• The fittings on top: water from the inlet and outlet connections runs down the outside of the tank and pools at the base, so it looks like a bottom leak. Those connections are resealed.
• Condensation on a gas heater: a cold tank refilling after heavy use can sweat and drip for a while. If it stops once the water heats, it was not a leak.
• The tank itself: water seeping from the seam at the base, from under the outer jacket, or from a rusted patch on the tank is the tank wall failing. There is no repair for that; the heater is replaced, every time, usually the same day.

Age settles the close calls. A conventional tank lasts around 8 to 12 years, so a repair on a heater at the end of that range buys little, and a tank that has started leaking rarely stops for long. We find the source, tell you which it is, and price the job before any work starts. A replacement is usually done the same day, with financing available through Hearth.

Additional Information

Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

While repairs can generally save you money in the short run, eventually a replacement will be needed. A small part may need to be replaced, but if your water heater is older in age, repair costs have been adding up, or you are interested in upgrading to a more efficient tankless model, the cost of a new installation may be worth it. Water heaters can last around ten years, depending on how well they have been maintained, so if your unit is slowly failing, our team can help.

Common Reasons Why Your Water Heater Isn't Producing Hot Water

Several factors can contribute to a water heater not producing hot water. If you notice any water pooling around your unit, our leak detection experts can quickly identify and fix the problem. Here are some common reasons:

• Faulty Heating Element: In electric water heaters, heating elements can wear out over time. If the element is damaged or not functioning correctly, it won't heat the water properly.
• Tripped Circuit Breaker: Check if the circuit breaker for the water heater has tripped. Resetting it may solve the issue. If it continues to trip, there could be an electrical problem that requires professional attention.
• Pilot Light Issues (Gas Water Heaters): If you have a gas water heater, check if the pilot light is lit. If it's out, relight it according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the pilot light won't stay lit, there may be a problem with the thermocouple or gas control valve.
• Thermostat Problems: The thermostat controls the temperature of the water. If it's set too low or is malfunctioning, the water might not reach the desired temperature. Adjusting or replacing the thermostat may be necessary.
• Sediment Buildup: Over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, insulating the heating element from the water. This reduces the heater's efficiency. Regular drain cleaning and flushing the tank can help remove sediment and improve performance.
• Tank Size and Demand: If the water heater is undersized for the household's hot water demand, it may struggle to provide enough hot water. Consider upgrading to a larger capacity unit if needed.
• Broken Dip Tube: The dip tube is a component that directs cold water to the bottom of the tank for heating. If it's broken, cold water may mix with hot water at the top, resulting in lukewarm water. Replacing the dip tube may be necessary.
• Water Heater Age: Over time, water heaters can wear out, and the efficiency of heating elements can diminish. If the unit is old, it might be more cost-effective to replace it rather than repair it.