Is It Safe to Shower with a Leaking Water Heater?

A leaky water heater isn’t uncommon but in most cases it is quite impossible to detect or fix the leak until you use the water first , such as taking a shower. While you can usually shower with a leaking water heater, it depends on how severe the leak is. 

Most water heater leaks occur at the drain valve, T&P valve, or delivery pipes, allowing only a tiny quantity of water to escape. If the leak is minor, it’s generally safe to shower before scheduling a repair.

However, if any of the following leak spots spews a substantial volume of pooled water, it is advised to call local plumbers before using your water again.

Keep reading to learn more about what to do if your water heater is leaking and when showering could turn out to be outright dangerous.

Signs Of A Leaky Water Heater

Seeing water pooling around the water heater? Well, that’s the first and most obvious sign that your water heater is leaking. Wondering about other signs? Here they are - 

• Noticeable drop in the water level in the heater
• Rusty water is coming from the hot water taps
• Unexpected rise in the water bill
• Sudden loss of hot water
• Visible rust on the tank 

Types Of Leaks In A Water Heater

Leaks can happen from anywhere, top, bottom, or near the connection. You won’t know. So, it is important to understand where the leaks might be so that they can be fixed at the earliest. 

• Top Leaks - These leaks occur in the temperature/pressure valve or the cold water inlet valve.
• Bottom Leaks - These may occur from a faulty drain valve, sediment inside the tank, or, at times, condensation buildup.

Need emergency plumbing? - Reach out now!

Can You Use A Shower If Your Water Heater Is Leaking?

Yes in many cases, you can still take a shower if your water heater is leaking, but it depends on where the leak is located and how severe it is.

If the leak is minor and coming from areas like the drain valve or temperature and pressure (T&P) valve, a quick shower likely won’t cause any harm. However, it’s important to monitor the leak closely and schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible.

That said, if you notice a large puddle, water gushing from the tank or pipes, or signs of rust or corrosion, do not use the water. Turn off the heater and contact a local plumber immediately to avoid water damage or a complete system failure.

Leaks can also sometimes be mistaken for condensation, or may come from nearby sources like furnace drain lines or water softener discharge pipes. An expert plumber can help confirm the source and recommend the right fix.

But if you're feeling a little courageous today, maybe knowing the risks of showering when the water heater is leaking might make you think twice.

Risks of Showering When The Water Heater is Leaking

Although plumbers in San Jose typically consider showering safe if you find a trivial leak emanating from your water heater, there are a few water heater danger signs to be acquainted with: scalding, explosion, fire, gas leak, and flooding threats.

• Scalding risk

Leaks in water heaters can occur for varied causes, ranging from a loose fitting to a damaged temperature and pressure valve. 

Broken components can sometimes affect the heater's thermostat or temperature detector, leading the water to overheat. The risk of getting burned increases tremendously if your shower has a hot water intake.

• Gas Leak

Although a leak in a water heater does not necessarily indicate a gas leak, it might occasionally signify a bigger problem. In a gas water heater, the leaky portion may compromise the gas system and enable natural gas to escape, which can lead to fires. 

If you have a gas water heater, it is best to see a plumber for water heater repair before something goes wrong. Usually, you can detect a gas leak by smell. In this scenario, immediately switch off the heating.

• Explosion risk

If the T&P valve, which regulates temperature and pressure, fails, the system may face increased pressure, which might break some of the components and cause leaks. Although it is uncommon, excessive pressure may occasionally cause the water heater to explode. 

An explosion will almost certainly cause damage to your property, but it can escalate if a gas water heater catches fire after the blast.

• Flooding risk

Flooding is one of the most serious concerns of a leaky water heater, and using the shower may exacerbate the risk. Because of the volume of water that goes through the heater and high water pressure, a minor leak can become a significant issue while showering. 

A massive leak might ruin your pricey floors or cause structural damage to the home, depending on the sort of heater you have and its placement.

Is a Leaking Water Heater Dangerous? Why?

A leaking water heater is indeed dangerous. 

Over time, water heaters, especially the ones that are 8-12 years old or more, start to wear down. As they age, the inside of the tank can rust or crack, making leaks more likely and more severe. 

Here’s what happens if you leave the leaks unattended - 

• Damp areas are the perfect breeding grounds for mold and mildew, which can alter indoor air quality, leading to all sorts of respiratory diseases.
• Water and electricity are not a good combination. Of course, the basics are “Water Is Not A Good Conductor.”
• Leaking water can ruin your home (floors, walls, and even the foundation)
• A rising utility bill that may drain you of water and years of saving!
• Worst case? The whole tank may burst and flood your space. 

If you’re seeing leaks anywhere in or around the water heater, don’t wait! Get professional help for water heater repair. This is not an issue that you can just postpone for later!

Is DIY not working? Let the experts handle your plumbing issues - Contact Us!

Can You DIY Repair Water Heater Leaks?

DIY water heater repairs can be tempting, especially if you’re quite handy with stuff like these. But when it comes to water heaters, DIY is not the best idea. These systems involve both water and electricity, and, as mentioned above, they are NOT A GOOD COMBINATION!

It is better to leave the repair to a professional, as DIY is good only when a minor plumbing fix is in question. That said, if you’re set on handling minor water heater issues yourself, here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind - 

Do’s 

• Use plumber’s tape when tightening fittings.
• Replace a T&P valve only if you know what you’re doing. 
• Turn off the power and water supply before touching anything.
• Inspect for simple issues like a loose pipe or leaky drain valve.
• Check for simple issues like loose connections or a leaky drain valve.

Don’ts

• Don’t open the tank or tamper with internal parts.
• Don’t touch gas lines or wiring unless you’re licensed.
• Don’t patch over rust or cracks - they signal deeper damage. 
• Don’t delay, as slow leaks can cause major water damage if left as it is. 

How To Prevent Leaks From Water Heater?

The best way? Schedule maintenance and monthly maintenance will suffice! As it is an appliance, you cannot be 100% sure that it will never leak, but the chances can be lowered. 

Here are other ways to prevent the chances of a water heater leaking -

• Tank Flushing

Consider flushing the water heater every 6-12 months. This helps get rid of the sediment and mineral buildup inside the tank. When these issues grow, they may cause leaks in the heater. 

• Anode Replacement

Replace the anode rod every 1-2 years, as it fights corrosion, which means it needs to be in good working condition all the time!

Read More About:

1. Which Sewer Repair Works Best? Pipe Lining vs. Pipe Bursting
2. Toilet Clog or Sewer Line Issue? Here’s How to Know for Sure
3. How to Fix a Clogged Dishwasher and Avoid Future Issues
4. 8 Plumbing Tools Every Homeowner Should Invest In

Showering With A Leaking Water Heater? 

Here’s a brief that’ll help you assess the risk - 

Situation	Is It Safe To Shower?	Why And Why Not?
Minor leak from pipe or valve	Partially safe	If it is a slow drip and not near any electrical parts.
Leaks near electronic connections	Not safe	Water near electronic components may pose a shock or fire risk
Leak from the tank itself	Not safe	Signals tank damage, which could lead to tank burst or water damage
Old heater with recurring leaks	Risky!	Could fail anytime

The Bottom Line

Although showering when the water heater is leaking is usually possible, you should first examine the source of the leak and verify that doing so is safe. If the culprit is the T&P valve, never use the shower or other hot water faucets in your home until you have remedied the problem. 

Call the plumbers for periodic inspection of your water heater, and be proactive in observing the water heater repair signs.

Area of Our Plumbing & Drain Service
Plumbers San Jose	Plumbers Sacramento	Plumbers Oakland
Plumbers Stockton	Plumbers Modesto	Plumbers Carmichael

Call Preferred Plumbing And Drain If You Have A Leaky Water Heater!

Preferred Plumbing and Drain are trusted plumbers in San Jose. We uphold BBB (Better Business Bureau) accreditation and focus on nothing but quality service and 100% customer satisfaction, and that’s one of our core values. 

Have plumbing issues at midnight? Don’t worry. We are just a call away. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services so that you don’t face the atrocities alone. Call us at 800-414-0340 for a FREE QUOTE!