Will using cold water cause the water heater to leak even more?

Question

My water heater began leaking today. So I cut power off at the breaker. Can I still use my cold water (i.e. to wash clothes), without causing a bigger mess/more leaking? Thanks! :)

Answer 1

It is all a matter of pressure not using the hot or cold side..however hot water does expand some so would put a bit more pressure on it..but it is still going to leak even with just cold water beacuse pressure is still in the tank..is the heater leaking from the pressure relief valve or from the tank itself? If it is the s***w in pop off valve it neds replaced..if it is the tank replace it quick for the whole tank could erupt especially if it is bursted by the seam on the tank inside

Answer 2

Yes. Also the hot water tank should have a shutoff that is just above it on the cold water side. Turning this off will isolate it completely. Make sure the breaker is off for sure before doing this. Good luck.

Answer 3

Even with the cold water shut off at the heater the water can back feed into the hot water pipe from faucets in the home. Both the hot water and cold water pipes must have a shut off valve to stop from filling up the tank again. When you have a new tank installed have ball valves placed on both pipes and than if ever a problem you can isolate the tank from the home plumbing.