How serious is a leaking gas water heater?
KRISTYNUT asked:
I just noticed water around the bottom of my gas water heater. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but it is as though it sprayed from some where. I had just finished cleaning the tub. Should I call my property management right now, or can it wait till the morning? Also, do you think it’s okay for me to take a shower?
Juan
I just noticed water around the bottom of my gas water heater. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but it is as though it sprayed from some where. I had just finished cleaning the tub. Should I call my property management right now, or can it wait till the morning? Also, do you think it’s okay for me to take a shower?
Juan
January 14th, 2010 at 6:39 am
Leonore
call first thing in the am. take your shower.
January 15th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Idalia
Take a shower, make sure you know where the water shutoff for the tank is in case it lets go, call management immediately, get anything perishable off the floor, the tank needs immediate replacement. It’s not likely to let go tonight but u never know. good luck!
January 18th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
Hazel
It may be from your pressure relief valve or your tank may be shot.
Not to be let go, get it replaced. Average damage due to failed water heaters in America is around $4400.00, many of those in attics.
Explodingwaterheater.com
January 20th, 2010 at 4:58 am
Leland
You should call the property management now!!! The reason is: If the water is leaking and puts the pilot light out you could be gassed. Gas is nothing to play around with. Go call now for your own safety and for the safety of who ever else is in the house. The management will appreciate the call. Hope this helps.
Best of Luck 2U.
January 21st, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Salley
If its only water leaking, then you have nothing to worry about.
January 25th, 2010 at 7:17 am
Fredric
All water heaters leak eventually due to the corrosive nature of water. what starts as a small leak will only turn into a bigger problem so it should be taken care of asap.
January 27th, 2010 at 3:00 am
Dreama
If you can narrow down the source of the leak to determine whether it’s coming from the tank itself, or from the pressure relief valve, it would be a help. If it’s leaking out the bottom of the tank, then that’s pretty much the kiss of death for a water heater. If it’s dripping from the relief valve, that’s an indication that the unit has overheated and needs to have the main gas valve replaced, as well as the relief valve. If it’s dripping from the drain valve, you can buy a small cap that screws over the end of the valve where the hose goes to stop that leak. In any event, you should call your management supervisor to inform him or her. It should be taken care of soon. However, you don’t need to worry about the leak putting out the pilot and suffocating you and your family with gas. If the pilot goes out the valve shuts off the gas to the burner. That’s the function of all standing pilots.
January 29th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Lanelle
If there is a catch pan under the water heater or if it is located in a garage or in a basement where a little water on the floor won’t hurt, I’d turn the gas control valve to the “Pilot” or “Off” position, then turn the water off. Do not turn the water off without first turning the water heater gas valve to Off or Pilot. Call management as soon as possible. If there is no catch pan for the leaking water to run into and the leaking water can cause damage to the floor, you might try putting a shallow pan under the area where the water is dripping. If you don’t know where or how to turn off the water or turn off the water heater gas valve, have the maintenance person show you how. These are important things renters should know. It probably won’t hurt to take a quick shower before you turn the water off. Good luck.
February 1st, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Jayme
Take your shower! You say you just finished cleaning the tub, and the water isn’t that much, and it looks as though it had sprayed from somewhere. Is it possible you might have sprayed water when cleaning the tub? Why not dry up the water, and keep watching periodically to see if any new water shows up. This way you can try and pinpoint the location that the water is coming from, IF you have a leak. If not, you haven’t bothered anyone but yourself. If you find a leak, and can track it to the source, you can show maintenance, and then they can repair or replace as needed. Good luck!