During cold weather, you usually rely on your water heater for hot water to use in your home. Without a functional heater, you have to manually heat water on the stove every time you need hot water for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, etc. Taking good care of your water heater will preserve its good working condition, providing you with an adequate supply of hot water all year round.
Water leaking is a clear sign your heater needs immediate professional attention. While waiting for your hired plumbing repair contractor to arrive, here’s what you can do to prevent the water leak problem from escalating.
Shut off the power
The first step you should take if you notice your water heater leaking is to shut off the power to the system. Switch off the breaker for the water heater at the main electrical panel. If you are using a gas water heater, look around your heater for the on/off dial and turn it off.
Turn off the water supply
After cutting the power to the system, it’s time to turn off the water supply. Most heaters have a water shut-off valve located above them. If you cannot reach for it, you should turn off your home’s main water supply instead.
Drain the water tank
If you have a storage-tank water heater, draining the tank will help prevent serious water damage in your home. To drain a water heater, attach a garden hose to the drain valve and run it outdoors or into a floor drain. Give your water heater time to let all the water out.
Hire a professional plumbing repair
Water heater leak repair is a complex job that should be left to the pros. Do not attempt to troubleshoot this type of plumbing problem in your home. Hire a licensed and experienced plumbing company to get no less than excellent results. Schedule your service appointment today!
