Water Heater can last long if maintained properly and at regular intervals. But there is always a chance that your water heater might leak. A water heater leak might begin as just a small annoyance, but it can quickly turn into a big problem for you. Even the smallest leak can cause damage to your house. It is so important to take immediate action against the leak and solve the problem at the earliest avoiding it leading to the bigger issue. There are numerous reasons why the problem of water heater leaks arises like:
-Broken drain valves can cause water leaks from the bottom of the tank.
-Corrosion if caused to the sediment buildup can also lead to a leak.
-Normal wear and tear can loosen the water lines, further causing leaks.
-When temperature and pressure valves break, they cause water leaks from the sides of your water heater tank.
What do to when your water heater leaks?
- Power-Off: First things first. Turn off the energy source that leads to your water heater. For a gas water heater, on your thermostat setting put the knob to OFF or PILOT mode to make the water heater safe to work on. In the case of an electric water heater, find the breaker labeled “water heater” and then turn it off.
- Shut the water flow: Turn the water off by finding the water line that leads to your water heater. There will be a valve on the waterline; turn it to the right until it completely closes and the water has stopped. This will cut off the water supply and will allow you to move on to the next step.
- Drain the tank: The most essential step is to drain the water heater tank. You will find the drain valve at the bottom of your water heater and then attach a garden hose to it. Run the hose to a floor drain or sump pit. Once you have established a good flow, the whole tank will drain in an hour or so.
- Contact plumber: Once you have drained the tank, make a call to the professional plumber that provides Water Heater Repair, Replace and Installation Services in your area. Once the plumber has arrived take his recommendation on if the water heater needs to be repaired or replaced.
Following these steps will make your task simpler and safer. Hoping this article helps you in solving the water heater leak issue.