Bottom of the tank
A steady leak from under the jacket usually means the inner tank has rusted through. It cannot be repaired.
Rheem is one of the most common water heater brands in Kirkland garages, closets and basements. When a Rheem tank, tankless or heat pump unit leaks, water can spread across the floor and into nearby walls fast. We provide emergency Rheem water heater leak cleanup 24 hours a day, with same day crews across Kirkland, WA. We remove the water, dry the structure and document it all for your insurance. Searching "water heater leak cleanup near me"? We are close by.
Independent restoration company. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or an authorized service provider for Rheem Manufacturing. We clean up water damage; we do not repair or install water heaters.
Turn the cold water valve on the pipe above the tank clockwise to close it. On a gas Rheem, turn the control knob to OFF or PILOT. On an electric model, switch off its breaker if you can reach the panel while staying dry. Do not drain a hot tank onto the floor. Then call us for water heater leak cleanup, and a plumber for the heater itself.
A steady leak from under the jacket usually means the inner tank has rusted through. It cannot be repaired.
The valve near the bottom can drip from a worn seal or if it was not closed fully after flushing.
The valve on the side or top releases water if pressure or heat gets too high, or if the valve wears out.
The hot and cold connections on top can loosen or corrode over the years.
New units and heat pump models can sweat. It looks like a leak but stops as the tank warms.
If the pan under the heater is full, water has been leaking a while and may be under the floor.
Rheem makes several kinds of water heaters. Each has its own weak spots.
| Rheem type | Where we find them | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Gas tank | Garages and basements | Rust at the base, drain valve drips, wet burner area |
| Electric tank | Closets and utility rooms | Leaks at element gaskets, relief valve discharge |
| Heat pump (hybrid) | Garages and basements with space | Condensate line clogs and drips |
| Tankless (gas) | Wall-mounted inside or in garages | Fittings, relief valve, condensate line |
| Sister brands Ruud and Richmond | Same places as Rheem | Same leak points as similar Rheem models |
How old is it? On many Rheem tanks, the first four digits of the serial number show the month and year it was made, for example 0819 for August 2019. Most tank heaters last around 8 to 12 years.
A water heater keeps refilling until the cold supply is closed. That is why Rheem leaks often spread farther than people expect, especially in closets next to carpeted rooms.
We extract water from the garage, closet floor and any carpet nearby with our water extraction equipment.
Moisture meters and thermal cameras check walls next to the heater, baseboards in the next room and the subfloor under the drain pan.
Structural drying runs until walls and floors meet their dry goal. We log readings every day.
We leave the area clean and dry so your plumber can install a replacement, ideally with a new drain pan and leak sensor.
Flush sediment from the tank about once a year.
Have the anode rod checked every few years to slow rust.
Test the T&P relief valve once a year.
Keep a drain pan with a drain line under indoor heaters.
Add a water leak sensor or automatic shut-off valve.
Plan a replacement as the tank nears 10 to 12 years.
Same fast service for the other heaters we see in Kirkland homes.
Independent restoration company. Not affiliated with these manufacturers.
Same day Rheem water heater leak cleanup across Kirkland and nearby cities.
Most often, the inner tank has rusted through and needs replacing. A leak can also come from the drain valve near the bottom, or from water running down from the relief valve or top fittings. A plumber can confirm which.
Product warranties usually cover the heater or its parts, not damage to your home. Homeowners insurance is the usual place to turn for sudden water damage. Check your warranty and policy for details.
Close the cold water valve above the tank. For gas models, turn the control knob to OFF or PILOT. For electric models, turn off the breaker if you can do so safely. Do not drain a hot tank onto the floor.
Check the label on the tank. On many Rheem models, the first four digits of the serial number show the month and year of manufacture.
Yes. Water flows under walls and into carpet and baseboards in nearby rooms. We check adjoining rooms with moisture meters on every job.
No. We handle water damage cleanup, drying and repairs. A licensed plumber replaces the heater. We can coordinate with one for you.
Call (425) 592-3603 for 24 hour Rheem water heater leak cleanup in Kirkland. See all brands we cover or visit our homepage.
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week: (425) 592-3603