Ask The Experts: What Should I Do When My Water Heater Is Leaking?

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

As a homeowner, you may have to deal with a wide range of home maintenance problems. A leaking water heater, for example, could plague your house. What should you do when this type of issue arises?

1. Get Help

Like other flooding situations, it is often best to allow professionals to handle the cleanup process. Working with a team familiar with residential flooding ensures your cleanup will go quickly and smoothly.

2. Stop the Water

Cutting off the water supply to a leaking water heater can help you reduce the amount of water that fills your home. Most units have a water supply valve, but you may need to turn off the water to your entire house to stem the surge.

3. Turn Off the Power

Before your professional can start repairing a failed water heater, you need to make sure it is safe for him or her to get to work. You can do this by turning off the power to the heater. Depending on your unit, you may need to turn off a circuit breaker or turn a dial on the water heater itself.

4. Prepare for Repairs

Next, the broken water heater has to be drained. This has to be done before it can get repaired because your expert has to have access to the source of the leak. Not only should the water be drained, but the valves on the system should be opened to ensure a vacuum does not form during the cleanup process.

5. Address the Water Damage

Once your water heater has been repaired, you need to turn your attention to the damage caused by the leaking. Drying out your space and replacing damaged building materials can help return your home to its original state.

If you are ever faced with a leaking water heater, you need to know how to address the problem. Quick action can save you from future issues.

If you are facing a disaster, give us a call! Let us make it "Like it never even happened."