Help! My water heater is leaking, what can I do?
Leaking Heatesr are a DISASTER!!
But Don’t Panic.
KEEP CALM and Take These 5 Steps Right Now!
1. Shut OFF Power
Turn off the MAIN Heater Switch. It is easily within reach, usually outside your bathroom.
You don't want the leaking water to touch any electrical points and FRY them immediately.
This is the most important step. Do this before touching anything else.
2. Shut OFF Stop Valve
The STOP valve stops cold water from flowing into your heater tank. It has a twist knob.
If you stop the flow of water, you will stop the leak.
Where is this valve? (See mini stopcock valve below)
Trouble finding the valve?
It should be installed at the INLET or COLD pipe of the water heater.
If you are looking at the Outlet or the HOT pipe, that is the wrong pipe.
CAUTION: The hot pipe is HOT. Expect around 50ºC, which can scald. When touching pipes, always touch test for 1 second before placing your entire hand on it.
3. Figure Out WHERE the leak is coming from
Not all leaks mean your heater is spoilt. Here are 4 places you should check.
Who knows? You may be able to fix the leak on your own. Save yourself some money.
If your heater is above a false ceiling, it may be harder to check. Remember, SAFETY COMES FIRST. If you need help.. WhatsApp us.
If you have easy access to your heater, here is where to look.
3-1. Relief Valve: This valve with the green lever is designed to drip water into the white tube. If the water tube has fallen off, plug it back in. Problem solved!
This valve may drip water even when the heater is OFF. It also releases pressure from the pipes.
3-2. Water Pipes: If your heater is newly installed, some pipes may be leaking. Check the hot and cold pipes, or pipe joints. Call your installer to fix.
3-3. Tank Leak: If you have used the heater for a few years, check the tank. Is there rusty water dripping out of the inlet or outlet? If the tank is leaking, you must replace it. It cannot be fixed. WhatsApp your pictures over.
3-4. Drain Valve: This is for landed floor standing heaters. If your heater is wall hung, you can skip this. If your heater has been serviced recently.. the drain valve may not be closed well. Twist to tighten.
4. Stop Using the Heater
If you have two bathrooms, use the other bathroom.
If your bathrooms are linked to the same heater and you must use water, turn your lever to full cold side while in use. Leaving it in the middle may make the leak worse. Using on full cold side will prevent further leaks and ceiling damage.
Even if the heater is off, and the stop valve is off.. the pipes can still leak.
Using water only from the cold water pipes will reduce pressure on the hot water side and reduce the leak.
Call in an expert for the earliest time slot to minimise leak damage. Leaking heaters are not a simple DIY job. If you need help, WhatsApp us.
5. Don't Delay. Replace it Fast.
Trust me, all leaks start small.. but they get worse over a few days.
Don't wait until you have a waterfall and are frantically trying to call in favours to solve the mess.
Solve your problem fast before water damage costs you more. For instance, badly damaged ceilings with holes must be completely replaced. They can't be repaired. This will end up costing you more.
If you are lucky, calling early may land you a next-day appointment.
Need Fast Service? We're Here to Help!
We received very quick service when our old heater said goodbye. Our new heater was installed on the same day by Mahadi and Bee who were very thorough. They also took the time to explain to us how the digital part works and what would be the most efficient use for us.
Dinesh Velusamy
Google review
Great service and fast response! My old electric water heater broke down right before Chinese New Year and I needed urgent replacement. AOS Bath replied my enquiry really quickly and provided advice on which model was suitable for me. An installation was even done within the week despite wide spread lack of manpower. Stable hot water, and my water pressure is stronger now. I also recommended to my relative who installed too.
HM Tan
Google review
Installed and used for about 2 months now. Family members happy with the product. Previous water heater was not working and AOS was able to install the new heaters only two days after confirmation and payment. The staff is friendly and helpful
peter chang
Google review
Staff were prompt & really helpful as I was caught in an urgent situation. Experience was great and the work done was seamless & of good quality too. Thank you!
Athirah Mustaza
Google review
That's All You Need to Know!
Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Heater. It is a high wattage appliance. Taking care of it will keep you safe!!
Look out for Leaks: It is a high wattage appliance. Taking care of it will keep you safe.
Maintain: to keep your heater in tip top condition, get an expert to check it every 3 years.
