What To Do When You Discover A Water Heater Leak

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

If you have a leaking water heater, it can lead to much larger issues within your home. Even a small amount of water can harm your floor or surrounding walls. If you have a large leak, you may see quite extensive damage to your home. Here is what you need to do when you discover a failed water heater with a puddle surrounding it.

Examine the Unit
Puddles in the basement of your home can form for a variety of reasons so be sure to take a close look at your unit to be sure that a leaking water heater is the source of the problem. Be sure to check:

• Pipes above and around the puddle
• Nearby floor drains
• Cracks in walls or floors 
  
  

Disconnect Power 
With a leaking or broken water heater, you need to get the power source turned off. An electric water heater can be turned off easily by flipping its designated circuit breaker switch to the off position. A gas version will have an on/off switch on its exterior. 

Turn Off the Water Source
If you have a significant amount of water leaking, it is important to get the water supply turned off as quickly as possible. Most water heaters will have a valve located above them. Be careful not to come into contact with the water as you turn it off. If you cannot access the valve safely, you may need to turn off your home's main water supply instead. 

Clean Up
Any water leak in your home must be properly cleaned up in order to avoid substantial damage, mold and mildew. Clean up water as soon as you can with towels, especially if it is in contact with drywall, carpet or flooring. For a large leak or a long-term leak that has just been discovered, be sure to contact specialists trained in water damage repair to ensure a thorough cleanup. 
Proper care needs to be taken when any water incident happens within your home. Keep a leaking water heater from causing immense harm to your home by following these tips.