The Dos And Don'ts Of A Leaky Water Heater
You count on your water heater to deliver warm and hot water to your plumbing appliances, faucets, and shower heads. Unfortunately, even with proper maintenance, the average water heater will still need to be replaced within 8-12 years.
Oftentimes, leaks are to blame for a faulty water heater. Over time, water can corrode the metal tank where heated water is stored. This can lead to leaks that can cause serious damage. If you've detected a leak in your water heater tank, knowing what to do (and what not to do) will help you mitigate damage and get the issue resolved as quickly as possible.
Do Shut Off Your Water Supply
First and foremost, shut the water supply to your water heater off as soon as you've confirmed the presence of a leak. Some water heaters will have a shut-off valve connected directly to the tank itself. If this is not the case, then you'll need to shut off your home's water supply at the main valve, which is often located inside a utility room or laundry room.
Keep in mind that because there may still be water inside the tank, water may continue to leak for a short amount of time even after you've shut off the supply. To mitigate damage, consider placing towels down around the source of the leak.
Don't Attempt DIY Mitigation
Unfortunately, even a small amount of water discharged from a leaky water heater can lead to serious damage. This is especially true if your water heater is located on a second story, where water can leak down into floorboards and drywall. If you have any signs of water damage following a leak, it's always worth it to call a professional restoration service to assess the area for signs of mold, rot, and other lingering issues. Even if the area looks fine after the water has dried, serious problems may linger under the surface.
Do Call a Plumber
In general, leaking water heater tanks cannot be effectively repaired. With this in mind, it's always a good idea to call a professional plumber out to confirm the leak and identify the source. From there, a professional plumber can also complete a full water heater replacement so you can restore the hot water supply to your home and get back to living your life. A plumber will also be able to haul away your old water heater, saving you the hassle of handling this yourself.
Contact a company like Maitland Winter Park Plumbing to learn more.
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