ompleHow to Handle a Leaking Water Heater
Your water heater is essential when it comes to keeping a comfortable, clean, and happy home or business. Sometimes, though, water heaters can malfunction and cause serious damage. A leaking water heater is no small issue, but it is one that can often go unnoticed for far too long. At that point, you have excessive water damage and your house is put in serious danger. Our pros at TSC Restoration are here to share with you some tips on how to spot a leaking water heater, and what to do in order to prevent further damage to your home.
Signs of a Leaking Water Heater
It’s important that you not only keep an eye out for the temperature of your water, but also that you regularly monitor your water heater so you can spot leaks or malfunctions before they become bigger problems (you would be surprised at just how many ways water heaters can break.) The following are some tell-tale signs that you have a leaking water heater that needs the attention of a professional.
- No hot water. This is usually one of the more obvious signs that you have a leaking water heater. No hot water could be a number of things, but it might indicate a pilot light that has gone out. If water is leaking from the water heater, it could easily have drowned the pilot light, eliminating your source of hot water.
- Leak from the temperature and pressure relief valve. If the pressure inside of your water heater has gone too high, the pressure valve will start to drip or leak. A leaking water heater that has built up too much pressure is extremely hazardous. Call a plumber immediately to have the pressure assessed and properly adjusted.
- Water heater stand is moist. Because the water heater is insulated, at no point should it feel damp to the touch or have built up condensation. The stand around the water heater should also remain dry at all times. If your water heater leaks sometimes, it can quickly rot your water heater stand. It won’t take long for that to create mold growth and destabilize your water heater.
- Water has pooled around the water heater itself. Puddles of water around a leaking water heater are immediate signs for concern. Don’t put it off – call a contractor right away to have an emergency inspection so that your leaking water heater can be fixed or replaced.
So You Have a Leaking Water Heater – Now What?
Do any of the above symptoms sound familiar to you? Then it’s important to take immediate steps to lessen the damage, save you money, and keep your belongings and family members safe. Follow the below steps if you have a leaking water heater:
- Turn off the main water supply valve. The shutoff valve for your water heater should be located just above it. Turning this valve will shut off water only to the water heater, not to the rest of your home.
- Shut off the water heater itself. Every water heater has visual or written instructions on its exterior that explain how to shut it off. Typically, the shutoff switch is a black knob near the gas control valve.
- Call a professional. Your water heater is a delicate and dangerous system that involves two dangerous elements: pressure and hot water. Rather than risking endangering yourself or your home, call a professional to repair your leaking water heater. At TSC Restoration, we have technicians on hand who can come to your home during an emergency and help you to assess and handle the problem ASAP.
In need of some help with your leaking water heater? Call a local water damage restoration company today.
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We are also available for water damaged repair service throughout the San Diego area, and as far north as Santa Ana and Riverside. See our complete service area or call today to get started on your water damage restoration needs.
Special thanks to Smart Choice Plumbing in Fremont, California for help with this article.