Gas tank
Common in garages. Watch the base and burner area for water.
A.O. Smith heaters are in many Eastside homes, sold through plumbers and big-box stores, including the Signature line. A.O. Smith also makes heaters under names like State, American and Reliance. When any of them leaks, from a rusted tank, a dripping relief valve or a loose fitting, we handle the emergency water damage cleanup. We answer 24 hours a day and send a same day crew anywhere in Kirkland, WA to remove water and dry your floors and walls.
Independent restoration company. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or an authorized service provider for A. O. Smith Corporation. We clean up water damage; we do not repair or install water heaters.
The temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is a safety part. If it drips or releases water, it may be doing its job because pressure or temperature is too high, or it may be worn out. Do not cap or plug it. Shut off the cold water supply, and have a plumber check it. Meanwhile, the water it released may be soaking the floor or the wall it drains past. That is where our water heater leak cleanup comes in.
| Where the water is | Likely cause | What happens next |
|---|---|---|
| From the relief valve or its discharge pipe | High pressure, thermal expansion, or a worn valve | A plumber checks pressure and the valve |
| Pooled under the tank | Inner tank rusted through, or the drain valve | Tank leaks mean replacement |
| Around the top fittings | Loose or corroded connections | Often repairable |
| Under a tankless unit | Fittings, relief valve or condensate line | Plumber service plus drying |
| Drips on a new, cold tank | Condensation | Usually stops as the tank heats |
Water grows a little when it heats up. In many homes, that extra volume has nowhere to go, because a pressure reducing valve or backflow device stops it from pushing back into the city line.
Pressure climbs each time the heater runs. The relief valve opens to protect the tank and lets water out. Over time, the valve can start to weep or drip, and the tank and fittings wear faster.
A small thermal expansion tank on the cold line gives the extra water a place to go. Many plumbers include one with a new heater.
If the discharge pipe does not run to a drain, the water lands on the floor, sometimes in a closet next to carpet or hardwood. We check those spots with moisture meters, then dry the structure.
Water running down the outside of the tank can look like a tank failure. Our leak detection tools help trace it.
Common in garages. Watch the base and burner area for water.
Often in closets. Leaks at element gaskets and the relief valve.
Produces condensate that must drain. Clogged lines drip.
Wall-mounted. Fittings, relief valve and condensate lines can leak.
We make sure water, gas or power to the heater is off and the area is safe.
Water extraction from the floor, closet and nearby carpet.
We check walls, baseboards and the subfloor around and below the heater.
Swollen baseboards or wet pad are removed if they cannot dry well.
Dehumidifiers and air movers run with daily readings until dry.
The area is ready for repair or replacement, with notes on what we found.
Ask a plumber to check your home's water pressure and expansion tank.
Make sure the relief valve pipe runs to a drain or outside, not onto the floor.
Flush the tank yearly to reduce sediment.
Install a drain pan and a leak sensor under indoor units.
Have the anode rod inspected every few years.
Replace the heater before it reaches about 12 years old.
Independent restoration company. Not affiliated with these manufacturers.
Same day cleanup across Kirkland and nearby Eastside cities.
Common reasons are high water pressure, thermal expansion with no expansion tank, very high water temperature, or a worn valve. A plumber should check it. Never plug or cap a relief valve.
A.O. Smith makes water heaters under several brand names, including State, American and Reliance. They tend to share similar designs and leak points.
The tank warranty usually covers the heater, not the water damage to your home. Homeowners insurance usually covers sudden water damage. Check both.
Close the cold water valve above the tank. On gas models, turn the gas control knob to OFF or PILOT. On electric models, switch off the breaker if you can reach it safely.
Yes, if the discharge pipe ends near the floor instead of a drain. Repeated discharges can soak subfloor and baseboards over time.
No. We clean up and repair water damage. A licensed plumber handles heater and expansion tank work.
Call (425) 592-3603 for 24 hour A.O. Smith water heater leak cleanup in Kirkland. See all brands we cover or our homepage.
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week: (425) 592-3603