Hey everyone! My boyfriend and I just bought a fixer-upper, and I've been trying to renovate it since July. I recently discovered our water heater behind a wall near the kitchen but noticed there's a leak at the bottom. I'm unsure how serious it is since I can't fully see it. Should I wait a bit before cutting down that wall to have a plumber check it out, or is this something that really needs immediate attention?
3 Answers
This isn't just a small issue—if it's leaking, that tank probably needs to be replaced ASAP. A small leak can turn into a huge problem quickly, potentially flooding your space with gallons of water. I strongly recommend you contact a plumber right away for an estimate. It'll save you from bigger headaches later on!
First off, you can't just leave the water heater completely enclosed. You need access to it, especially for future repairs. As for the leak, water heater leaks can worsen unexpectedly. Consider how much damage any leakage could cause in your home—this will help determine how urgently you should act. When you do replace it, definitely look into getting a heat pump water heater; they're more efficient!
If they sealed off the water heater, that’s a red flag! It's likely there are other hidden issues as well. Don't hesitate—tear down that wall now and see what you're dealing with so it doesn't become a bigger problem later.
Totally agree! You’ll want to get a couple of estimates from local plumbers to see what they suggest.