What To Do If Your Water Heater Leaking
What may seem to be a minor and insignificant leak in your water heater could result in more damage than you might think, this makes it crucially important to know how to react when your water heater leaking.
A leaking water heater could cause tremendous damage to the walls and floors in your home in a short span of time. If you notice that you’re having some unusual problems with your water heater or are noticing a pile up of water near the unit, it is very possible that this is a result of your water heater leaking. It is in your best interest to find the source of the problem as soon as possible and find the appropriate solution in order to not let the leak cause more damage than it already has. Let’s take a look at the precautions you can take to minimize the damage done to your home in the event of your water heater leaking.
Is your water heater leaking?
When finding a small puddle near your water heater an assumption that many homeowners make is that they have a leaking water heater, but this is not always the case. The water that is sometimes found near your water heater is not always a result of a leak. The water heater equipment itself often produces condensation which then drips onto the floor and can form a puddle, these puddles of condensation can often be confused for a water heater leak. To find out if your water heater is leaking the best thing to do is inspect the equipment for any signs of leakage. If you’re unsure of what the source of the problem is, try placing some paper towel on the floor near your water heater and see if the puddle appears again within a day or two. If you don’t find any puddles again then it’s safe to say that you don’t have a leaking water heater.
Turn off the water heater
If you have come to find a problem with your water heater leaking then the first course of action is to power down the water heater. This is done as a safety precaution as electricity and water are not safe when coming in contact with each other. Turning off your water heater is a simple process. If you have a gas powered water heater then this is done by turning the power switch that is found on the unit to off. With an electric water heater, this is done by turning the switch in the circuit breaker to off.
Stop the flow of water
After turning off the power to your water heater, the next course of action is to turn off the water, but only if this can be done safely. This is done by locating the shut off valve and shutting it so that no water flows through the water heater. If you cannot get to the shut off valve safely it is best to leave the water running and call a professional to get the job done.
Is the leak serious?
The severity of the leak depends on the leak’s location. Water heater leaking can result in the drain valve, pipe connections, temperature and pressure relief valve, and at the bottom of the tank itself. When calling an HVAC professional to assess and fix the problem it is best to supply them with as much information about the problem as possible so that they can find an adequate solution.
If you find that the leak is located at a pipe connection, this can often be fixed just by tightening the pipe connections. On the other hand, a leak found at the bottom of the water heater tank can cause some major problems and they are often can’t be seen by looking at the exterior of the unit.
Should you repair or replace your water heater unit?
An HVAC professional can often put an end to all of your water heater problems. If you are experiencing a problem with your water heater leaking it is best that you call a professional to find you the best solution. Professional HVAC technicians will be able to minimize the damage done to your home and repair or replace your water heater unit in a safe manner.
CONTACT DEMARK HOME ONTARIO FOR A FREE QUOTE TODAY!
If you have any further questions regarding your water heater leaking or have any other HVAC concerns, DeMark Home Ontario is more than willing to help solve your problem. We offer a simple, hassle-free rental service for both traditional and tankless water heaters, Our experts will provide you with quick and efficient water heater service and replacement performed by our highly experienced and trained technicians. Call us at 647-847-2998 or fill out our online request form and we will be happy to assist you with your request.
