Temporary Repairs for Leaky Hot Water Heater

Dealing with a leaking hot water heater can be a stressful and frustrating situation for homeowners. However, before calling in a plumber and shelling out money for a new unit, there are some temporary fixes you can try to stop leaks and buy yourself more time. With a few simple tools and materials, you may be able to patch things up until you have the time and budget for a full repair or replacement.

We'll also discuss when it's time to call in a professional. Follow these tips to keep hot water flowing and avoid further water damage in your home.

Common Causes of Hot Water Heater Leaks

Before attempting to patch a leak, it helps to understand why it's happening in the first place. Here are some of the most common culprits behind hot water heater leaks:

• Corrosion - Over time, corrosion can eat away at the metal tank, pipes, or valves, leading to pinhole leaks. This is especially common as heaters near the end of their lifespan.
• High water pressure - Consistent water pressure over 80 PSI can strain fittings and pipe connections.
• Sediment buildup - Leftover mineral deposits inside the tank can lead to overheating and cracks.
• Physical damage - Dents, cracks, or loose fittings caused by improper installation or impact.
• Malfunctioning T&P valve - A faulty temperature and pressure relief valve can cause water to leak from the overflow pipe.

Being aware of the most common culprits behind hot water heater leaks will help you better pinpoint the problem area.

Locate the Exact Source of the Leak

Finding where the water is coming from is crucial before attempting a DIY fix. Carefully inspect the full unit, including all pipes, valves, and the surrounding areas. Check for:

• Water pooling on the floor by the heater or dripping sounds.
• Moisture on pipes or wet areas on external insulation.
• Corrosion, cracks, or damage around tank fittings and joints.
• Water dripping from the T&P relief valve or overflow pipe.

It's often easiest to locate leaks by removing the external insulation and tank cover for a full view. Turn on a flashlight to check for moisture inside hard-to-see spots. Finding the source will dictate your repair approach.

Steps to Temporarily Stop the Leak

Once you've located the leak, try these temporary fixes to stop the waterflow:

A. Turn Off Water Supply

Shut off the cold water inlet valve feeding the hot water heater. This will prevent more water from entering the tank and adding pressure. Flip the circuit breaker to turn off power if it's an electric heater.

B. Drain Some Water from Tank

Open the tank drain valve and release some water into a bucket to decrease internal pressure. Don't fully drain it. Leave some water so you can re-test the leak after attempting fixes.

C. Tighten Fixtures and Pipe Joints

Use pipe wrenches and pliers to tighten any loose pipe fittings, joints, caps, or valves that may be dripping. Don't over tighten.

D. Patch Small Holes

Apply epoxy putty or waterproof tape, such as self-fusing silicone, over minor holes, cracks, or corroded spots. This can provide a temporary seal.

Caution - don't use duct tape as it will quickly deteriorate when wet.

Reduce Water Pressure in the Tank

If high water pressure seems to be the cause, try these approaches to reduce internal stress on the tank:

• Adjust thermostat to "vacation" or lowest temperature setting.
• Turn off heat source to the water heater to stop heating process.
• Partially drain tank through the drain valve to reduce volume.
• Have a professional install a pressure reducing valve if water pressure from main line is consistently over 80 PSI.

Insulate and Protect Leak-Prone Areas

Adding insulation and protection can help minimize water damage as temporary fixes take effect:

• Place a bucket or pan beneath leak to catch dripping water.
• Wrap suspected leak sites with self-fusing silicone repair tape.
• Insulate pipes with foam pipe insulation to absorb moisture.

Flush and Clean the Tank

Sediment buildup can lead to overheating issues. Try these cleaning steps:

• Drain and refill the tank to rinse out sediment.
• Use a tank flushing product to clear out scale deposits.
• Install an inline water filter to prevent future sediment accumulation.

Monitor and Maintain Temporary Fixes

Keep a close eye on any temporary fixes and perform maintenance to maximize their lifespan:

• Check patched areas regularly for new drips or moisture.
• Refill the tank and re-test fixes every few days to ensure they are holding.
• Re-tighten any loose pipe joints or fittings.
• Drain and flush tank thoroughly every 6 months.

Calling in a Professional

While the above tips can help stall small leaks, some scenarios call for replacement by a qualified technician:

• If the leak is from a large corrosion hole in the metal tank itself.
• You have leaks coming from multiple locations.
• DIY temporary fixes are unable to stop the waterflow.
• The water heater is over 10 years old.

A pro can assess when it's time to replace the entire unit based on the extent of damage. They can also determine if problems stem from faulty installation or improper water pressure.

Dealing with a leaky water heater can put a damper on your day, but in many cases, temporary fixes can buy you some time. By shutting off the water supply, reducing tank pressure, insulating pipes, and sealing leaks, you can stall the problem until you're able to properly replace the unit. Just be sure to monitor your handiwork and call in reinforcements if leaks persist.