The Emergency Repair Guide for Leaking Chicago Hot Water Tanks

A leaking hot water tank can cause significant water damage, turn into a safety hazard, and even lead to mold growth if it’s not taken care of immediately. As a homeowner or business owner, quick action is essential to minimize risks and costs.

Stay Safe and Act Fast

Leaking water heaters involve hot water (often scalding) and, in gas or electric models, potential electrical or gas risks. You’ll want to turn off the power or gas supply immediately. For electric heaters flip the breaker labeled "water heater" to OFF at your electrical panel. For gas heaters turn the control knob to "Pilot" or "Off" (consult your manual for exact location). Then, shut off the cold water supply to the tank. Locate the shutoff valve (usually a red or blue handle) on the cold inlet pipe above the tank and turn it clockwise until it stops. This prevents more water from entering and worsening the leak. If it’s safe, you’ll want to relieve pressure in the system. Open a nearby hot water faucet to release pressure and allow air into the tank. Lastly, contain the water by placing towels, buckets, or using a wet/dry vacuum around the tank to limit damage. If possible, drain the tank partially by attaching a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom and running it to a safe outlet (like a floor drain). These steps stop the leak from escalating while you assess the issue.

Find the Leak

Once it's safe, figure out where the water is coming from. Use a flashlight and dry paper towel or cloth to trace the drip. Common leak locations include:

• Top of the tank: This is often from a loose or corroded pipe connection. Tighten fittings carefully with a wrench (but don't over-tighten).
• Pressure/Temperature Relief Valve: This is a safety feature that may drip if faulty, over-pressurized, or if the temperature is set too high.
• Drain valve: This is at the bottom of the unit. Tighten it if it’s loose or replace it if it has failed.
• Bottom or sides of the tank: This indicates that there’s internal corrosion or a crack, which usually means the tank itself is failing and will need to be replaced.

Minor issues like loose fittings or a dripping drain valve can often be tightened or replaced, but cracks or corrosion mean you’ll need a local Chicago plumber to replace the unit.

If you have a leaking hot water tank, give our team a call at 1 (800) 674-9130. We will have someone come out right away to stop the leak and get it fixed. If you need a hot water tank replacement, we can get a new one put in day or night, even on weekends and holidays.

Additional Resources:
Help! My Hot Water Tank is Leaking!
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