A high-quality and properly maintained water heater could serve you for at least 10 years or more. However, after heating thousands and thousands of gallons of water, it might start to leak water. Treat seriously any small issue you discover: the majority of small water heater leaks can be patched up easily, but not if they are ignored and become bigger problems.
When your water heater leaks, call a plumber to fix the problem. But here is what to do before you can get the professional help, in order to avoid huge water damage:
- Cut the power of the heater. No matter if it is a gas or an electric water heater, there should be an ON/OFF button or control knob to cut the power to your unit.
- Shut off the water. Search for the shut-off valve for the cold water line that goes into your water heater and close it. Most water heaters will have the valve located at the top.
- If you have a tank water heater, it’s recommended to drain the tank: attach a garden hose to the drain valve (near the bottom of your water heater); once you run the hose to a floor drain, open the valve and let the drank to drain.
- Remove standing water on your floor and dry the area, to avoid water damage.
- Call a professional plumber to inspect, repair or replace your water heater.
First Response Plumber is here to assist you! Our plumbers are ready to intervene and repair or replace your water heater. We also provide flood damage and restoration services. Call us: (858) 203-0930!
