Water Heater Leaks, Repair and Replacement in Gardena

Water heater leaking? What to do first

Short answer: if your water heater is leaking, turn off its power or gas, close the cold water supply valve at the top of the tank, and keep the area clear. If you smell gas, leave the home and call 911 or SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 from outside.

1. Gas unit: turn the control knob to "off" or "pilot". Electric unit: switch off its breaker.
2. Close the cold water inlet valve on the pipe at the top of the tank to stop more water entering.
3. Don't touch the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve or its discharge water; it can be scalding.
4. Move belongings away and take photos, then call to describe the problem.

Common water heater problems

• Water pooling at the base. Often from a fitting, the drain valve or the T&P valve. A leak from the tank body itself usually means the tank has failed.
• No hot water or not enough. A pilot or ignition problem, a failed element, a thermostat issue or a heater that is too small for the household.
• Rusty or discolored hot water. Can signal corrosion inside the tank. Older galvanized pipes can also cause it.
• Rumbling or popping. Usually sediment built up in the bottom of the tank.
• A dripping relief valve. Can point to high pressure or temperature, a failing valve or a thermal expansion problem. A failed pressure reducing valve can contribute.
• A heater that runs constantly. Sometimes a sign of a hot water leak, including a slab leak.

Repair or replace?

Storage tank water heaters commonly last around a decade, though it varies with water quality and maintenance. Providers usually weigh:

• Where the leak is. A valve or fitting can often be repaired; a leaking tank body generally means replacement.
• The heater's age (the date is usually coded in the serial number on the label).
• The repair cost compared with a new unit.
• Whether the current size and type still fit your household.

Tank or tankless?

A tank heater stores hot water and is usually the simpler like-for-like replacement. A tankless unit heats water on demand and takes less space, but switching often involves gas line, venting or electrical changes. Ask the provider what your home would need for each option.

California rules worth knowing

• Seismic strapping. California law requires water heaters to be braced, anchored or strapped to resist falling or moving during an earthquake. A replacement should be installed with proper strapping.
• Permits. Replacing a water heater usually requires a permit and inspection. Ask whether the price includes the permit.
• Venting and gas. Gas units need correct venting and combustion air. Never use a gas heater with a damaged vent. For gas piping work, see gas line repair.

Questions to ask before replacement

• Is this repairable, or is the tank itself leaking?
• What size and type do you recommend for my household, and why?
• Does the price include the permit, strapping, expansion tank (if needed), haul-away and any code updates?
• What warranty comes with the unit and the labor?
• What is your California contractor license number? You can look it up with the Contractors State License Board.