Leaking hot water heater...how long do I have?
#1
Leaking hot water heater...how long do I have?
Hey everyone,
I noticed my HWH is leaking. It was just a small trickle last night but it's grown a little bit today. I am going to replace myself but can't do it right away. Am I good to wait a couple of days or is this super urgent?
Thanks
I noticed my HWH is leaking. It was just a small trickle last night but it's grown a little bit today. I am going to replace myself but can't do it right away. Am I good to wait a couple of days or is this super urgent?
Thanks
#2
Member
I couldn't sleep well with a leak so I'd likely shut the fire down and isolate it from the water supply then put it back in service intermittently as needed until it could be replaced. I've taken cold showers more than once.
#4
Member
Not long; I'd disconnect it.
If REALLY need hot water,
You MIGHT buy some time by turning down the water pressure (assuming you're on a well).
You REALLY want to turn down the temperature setting, because you don't want to be hit with scalding water when it does let go.
I'd duct-tape some plastic over what looks like a breaker panel next to the HWH.
Pre-position a mop and buckets, and make a dike with some thrift-shop beach towels to lead the water to the sump pump/ drain when it fails.
Make sure the all your shut off valves are accessible, AND that they actually turn.
If REALLY need hot water,
You MIGHT buy some time by turning down the water pressure (assuming you're on a well).
You REALLY want to turn down the temperature setting, because you don't want to be hit with scalding water when it does let go.
I'd duct-tape some plastic over what looks like a breaker panel next to the HWH.
Pre-position a mop and buckets, and make a dike with some thrift-shop beach towels to lead the water to the sump pump/ drain when it fails.
Make sure the all your shut off valves are accessible, AND that they actually turn.