How to Deal with a Leaking Water Heater in Your Home
Is your hot water unit leaking?
Water heater leaks are never a good thing. They not only waste your precious hot water but they can also cause a flood that may lead to costly damage to your home. If you have a leaking hot water system, you should get it fixed immediately to avert potential crises in your home.
Here's how to deal with a leaking water heater.
Find the source of the leak
If you spot a small puddle on the floors of your house near or under the place where your water heater sits, it doesn't always mean that your hot water unit is leaking. It's not uncommon for condensation to form on the pipes and fittings connected to the appliance, creating the impression that leaks are present. But you can't afford to take any chances — you should inspect your water heater for potential leaking immediately.
Dry out the puddle and start to locate the source of the water leak. Pay special attention to the areas of the water heater that have connections. Also, check around the top and bottom parts of your water heater tank where the water enters and leaves respectively.
Mark all leak spots you find.
Turn off the power and water supply
After detecting the leak spots, turn off the power and water supply to the water heater. If your hot water system is powered by electricity or gas, locate the circuit breaker and the gas on and off switch respectively to turn off the power source.
Next, find the water inlet to the hot water tank and turn it off too. Most water heaters have their cold water supply at the top of the tank. You can stop the water from flowing by closing the water shut off valve for the water supply.
Leaking electric water heater models can cause electrocution if the water and power supply aren't cut off.
Fix or replace your hot water system
Hot water units require specialised training to repair properly. You may have to do without hot water while your water heater gets repaired by a water heater repair plumber. Depending on the type and extent of leaking that your unit has suffered, the plumber may conduct a repair job or recommend a hot water system changeover.
The best way to keep track of leaking problems and prolong the lifespan of your hot water unit is to maintain it properly. Be sure to always seek out a qualified hot water system plumber for your water heater maintenance and repair needs.
For more information taking care of hot water units, reach out to a local plumber.
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