What to Do When Your Hot Water Heater Leaks

May 30, 2024

Water heaters typically have a long lifespan, especially with routine maintenance. Still, encountering issues with this appliance along the way is not always avoidable. One of the most common water heater problems is leaks. When this happens, here’s what you need to do:

Detect the Leak

One of the first things you should do is determine the location of the hot water heater leak. Specific areas on your unit are more prone to leaking, including those close to other plumbing pipes and drains, so it’s best to inspect them first. This includes the following:

Drain Valve: This valve is located at the bottom of the tank and is used for draining water when cleaning the heater. A leak here may indicate loose or damaged fittings that need tightening or replacement.
Temperature and Pressure (T&P) Release Valve: The T&P valve allows steam to escape your machine, ensuring stable temperatures. When this element malfunctions, it can cause high pressures, resulting in water leaking from your tank. You can find this valve on the top or side of the heater.
Inlet and Outlet Connections: These components at the top of your tank allow cold water to enter the unit and hot water to exit. These connections can loosen overtime, causing leaks.

Disconnect the Power Supply

It’s best to disconnect your water heater’s power supply at the sign of a leak. Either turn off the gas if you have a gas heater or the circuit breaker if you have an electric one. Doing so ensures your safety while troubleshooting.

Shut Off the Water Supply

Leaving the water running is fine if you’re dealing with a minor leak, as it’ll also help you detect the exact location of the problem. But if it’s a more severe case, turning off your water supply is ideal. You can do this using the shut-off valve, typically found on top of the tank.

Call a Professional

While there may be ways to fix a hot water heater leak on your own, it can be risky, especially if you can’t detect the problem’s exact cause. Besides worsening the leak and costing you more in repairs or replacements, taking the DIY route also comes with safety hazards. Hiring a professional for water heater services ensures efficient solutions that will save you time, money, and effort.

A leaking water heater can wreak havoc on your home, so it’s crucial to learn what to do should you encounter this issue. Contact NorthStar Plumbing and Drain Cleaning in Fargo, ND for trusted water heater repair and maintenance.

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Ready to Prep Your Plumbing for Fall?

By 7063837684 • July 28, 2025

As summer winds down and the back-to-school season picks up, it’s easy to put home maintenance on the back burner. But if you want to avoid costly plumbing issues this fall and winter, now is the perfect time to knock out a few important fixes. Here are 5 plumbing tasks every homeowner should tackle before the seasons changes and why doing them now can save you time, money, and stress later. 1. Find and Fix Hidden Leaks That tiny drip under your sink or behind the toilet might not seem like a big deal — but it adds up fast. Not only can leaks lead to water damage, but they also waste gallons of water (and dollars) every month. A quick inspection now can prevent a much bigger headache when temperatures drop and pipes become more vulnerable. 2. Test Your Sump Pump Late summer storms and early fall rain can overload your drainage system if your sump pump isn’t working properly. If it’s been a while since it was last checked, now’s the time. We’ll make sure everything is operating smoothly so you’re protected during heavy rain or unexpected snow melt. 3. Clear Out Slow Drains Are your sinks or tubs draining slower than usual? Hair, soap, and debris can build up over time, especially during the high-use summer months. A professional drain cleaning ensures water flows freely and helps prevent backups during the colder months when pipes can contract and clog more easily. 4. Inspect Your Water Heater No one wants to be stuck with a freezing shower in October. Your water heater has worked hard all summer and now’s the time for a quick inspection. We’ll check for signs of wear, flush out sediment buildup, and make sure it’s running efficiently before the weather cools. 5. Prep Your Outdoor Plumbing It’s not quite time to winterize your outdoor faucets and irrigation lines, but you can still get ahead by checking for leaks, replacing worn washers, and making sure everything shuts off properly. Come October, you’ll be glad you planned ahead. ✅ Ready to Prep Your Plumbing for Fall? NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning offers honest, reliable service for Fargo–Moorhead homeowners whether you need a quick fix, routine checkup, or full system inspection. Book your pre-fall plumbing service now and step into the new season with confidence.

Summer Plumbing Problems to Watch For (And How to Prevent Them)

By 7063837684 • June 20, 2025

🚿☀️ Summer plumbing issues don’t take a vacation. Are You Ready? From leaky outdoor faucets to basement flooding and overworked drains, July brings a unique set of challenges for your home’s plumbing. We’re breaking down the top plumbing problems to watch for this month and how to prevent them. ✅

Stay Ahead of Plumbing Problems and Enjoy a Worry-Free Summer with NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning!

May 30, 2025

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Smelly or hard water in your home? You’re not alone

By 7063837684 • April 27, 2025

Smelly or hard water in your home? You’re not alone, Fargo–Moorhead! A water softener from Northstar Plumbing can eliminate that “rotten egg” smell and reduce buildup that damages pipes and appliances. Cleaner, fresher water starts here.

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A reliable sump pump is your home’s first line of defense against basement flooding, protecting your foundation and belongings from water intrusion. At Northstar Plumbing, we specialize in sump pump installation, maintenance, and flood prevention services for homes and businesses in the FM Area.