Rusted tank can rupture.
Water will run inside house until water is shut off.
Troubleshoot leaking water heater
Turn off water using shut-off located on cold water pipe above tank.
Or turn off main water shut-off to house.
Find source of leak
Open tub spout on hot side for a few moments.
If you relieve pressure by lifting lever on TP valve, then stand away from scalding water that is released under pressure from overflow tube
| 4) Shut off power to heater Gas water heater: a) Small leak: rotate knob to Pilot so pilot stays lit but burner will not ignite b) Large leak: rotate knob to OFF to completely shut down water heater Electric water heater: turn
off cuircuit breaker |  Turn breaker OFF |
Drain
5) Large leak: If necessary, drain water from water heater.
If water heater is not leaking badly, then draining tank might not be necessary.
Put hose on drain valve located on side of tank near bottom.
Open drain valve and check that water is flowing out of hose.
How to open water heater that will not drain
You can limp by on leaking water heater if leak is small and you turn on heater a few times a day to heat water.
Leaving water inside tank will let you to make some hot water each day until water heater can be replaced.
This strategy can work 1-3 months.
Avoid damage to pipes: Do not turn on water heater unless tank is completely full of water and hot side of tub is running full stream.
Gas heater makes 41 gallons hot water per hour. Electric 21 gallons per hour.
Shower uses 9 gallons hot water, bath uses 15 gallons hot water.
If leak is small, turn heater on for short periods until heater can be replaced or repaired.
Rusted tanks that are welded to seal leak are subject to rupture and are risky.
New water heater is a few hundred dollars. Massive damage to home is more expensive.
Troubleshoot leaking water heater
How to install gas water heater
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Flooded water heater
Read PDF on flood-damaged water heaters
Read article on flooded water heaters
a) Rusty water indicates rusted water heater.
b) Inspect tank for leaks.
Inspect water heater for leak
c) Replace anode rod and rusting will stop. New anode rod will not repair rusted tank, but will stop rust.
Check and replace water heater anode rod
If tank hull is rusted and ready to rupture, it is time to shop for a new heater before rupture causes massive damage.
Do not cap off TP valve or cover TP with insulation or block TP valve or block overflow tube.
How to test and replace TP valve.
Causes for TP leak
How to repair and replace water heater drain valve
