Help! My water heater is leaking, what should I do?
Leaking heaters are a disaster!
But don’t panic.
Remain calm, and take these 5 steps right now!
1. First Step: Figure Out Where Leak is Coming From
Not all leaks mean your heater is spoilt. Do a check first. You may be able to fix the leak on your own and save yourself some money.
Some of our clients have told us they were rushed to get a replacement heater multiple times within 5 years before they found us. If you do a check and fix the leak on your own, you can avoid pushy salespeople. Remember: good heaters should last you 10 years.
However, if your heater is above a false ceiling, it may be harder to check. Safety comes first. If you think you need help, WhatsApp us.
If you can see your heater, here are 4 places to look.
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.
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.
No need to replace heater.
3. 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. 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.
If you have done a check, and your heater tank is the source of the leak, read on:
2. If Heater Tank Is leaking, Power Off
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.
3. To Reduce the Tank Leak, Turn 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. Temperature at 50ºC can scald. When touching pipes, always touch test for 1 second before placing your entire hand on it.
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
4. Tip: Reduce the Tank Leak by Draining the Tank at the Mixer
To do this, make sure the heater is off.
• Go to the shower mixer and turn the handle fully to the hot side
• Let the hot water flow and and empty the tank
• If you stop the flow of water, you will stop the source of the leak
Do not continue to use the bathroom if the tank is leaking. If you have two bathrooms, use the other bathroom.
If you only have one heater and must use mixer, turn the lever fully to the cold side while in use. Leaving it in the middle may make the leak worse.
Get help fast. Leaking heaters are not a simple DIY job. If you need help, WhatsApp us.
5. Don't Delay. Replace Heater Fast.
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!
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
