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Water heater broke, leaking

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Frank12345
Frank12345 Member Posts: 7
in Gas Heating

hello, my water heater heater broke, i use gas heating. Water is leaking from the pipe on the side that goes up towards the top. Do I need to shut off the gas, or can I leave it on until tomorrow? The valve is almost impossible to turn by hand. See photo for the valve that i can’t turn to shut off gas

Comments

  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,695

    Photo didn't appear

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
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  • Larry Weingarten
    Larry Weingarten Member Posts: 4,081

    Hi @Frank12345 , I agree with Paul. I need to see the heater with all of its plumbing and a close up of the leaking pipe/fitting and valve would be useful too. With that info, I'm sure we'll have ideas for you.

    Yours, Larry

    Rbackes
  • psb75
    psb75 Member Posts: 1,126

    Load that picture Frank12345, if you want help. Several good ones, if you can.

  • bburd
    bburd Member Posts: 1,298
    edited 6:48PM

    @Frank12345 if the gas cock is the traditional metal type, it is made to be turned with a wrench. A crescent/adjustable wrench will do. It is 1/4 turn between open (handle parallel to pipe) and closed (handle across pipe).

    Do not wait to turn off the gas. If you cannot, at least turn the heater control to "off".

    —
    Bburd
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 12,109
    edited 9:43PM

    Hay @Frank12345, I have followed you since 2024 and you have had some very interesting and informative posts. Have you received all the information you need for this post? A leaking water heater can be a problem. Especially when the floor under the water heater used to be dry and now it is wet.  

    You made mention of the pipe that goes up the side of the water heater, is the place that is leaking.  I wonder if it is connected to the relief valve.   When that happens many folks replace the relief valve   But if you replace the entire water heater, don't use the same relief valve because if that relief valve is leaking that leak  will follow to the new water heater.   

    If you do get a new water heater, make sure that it comes with a new relief valve. 

    This photo of a water heater has a white pipe connected to the relief valve, but you might have a copper pipe or a steel pipe in that same place.

    Screenshot 2026-03-14 at 4.24.55 PM.png

    Frankly, I hope this helps you Frank 

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

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