The average water heater can last more than 10 years if properly maintained. However, even if you do take good care of it, it's natural wear and tear can still cause it to leak.
If you find out that your hot water heater is leaking, it is important to take immediate action to prevent it from turning into a major problem (one that is often costly). Aside from wasting energy and water, the moisture leaking out of your water heater can cause damage to your property and promote the growth of mold and mildew.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do when your hot water heater leaks. Below are four simple steps that you should take.
Cut the power
The very first step that you should take when your water heater is leaking is to turn off the energy source.
Depending on the type of your water heater, this could mean finding the thermostat of your gas water heater to switch it to “OFF” or “PILOT”, or going to your breaker panel and turning off the power to your electric water heater.
Cut off the water
After turning off the energy source, the next thing you want to do is to cut off the water supply. You can do this by locating the cold water line leading to your water heater and closing off the valve. Once you’ve cut off the power and water source, you can now move on to the next step.
- Drain the water tank of your heater
In order to drain the tank of your standard water heater, you just need to find the drain valve near the bottom and attach a hose to it. Next, run the hose to your floor drain or sump pit.
Once your hose is ready and in place, open the valve. You may notice that the water doesn’t flow well or not at all. The reason behind this is that there’s a vacuum in your water heater. In order to get past this vacuum, you should open the hot water faucet to let air into your tank. This will allow the water to flow out of your hose more easily.
In about an hour, the whole tank should be completely drained.
Call Your Trusted Technician
When your water heater tank has been drained, contact your trusted plumbing repair service company. Compared to DIY troubleshooting or quick fixes, having it repaired by a professional is a more practical and cost-effective approach.
Doing it yourself may do more harm than good - not to mention that it can be stressful and time-consuming.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the most reputable water heating repair service provider in Las Vegas, contact us Rebel Refrigeration today. Whether you have a gas or electric system, or a tank or tankless water heater, we’ve got you covered! Our team can diagnose and repair all types of water heaters at the most competitive prices. So don’t neglect your hot water heater leaks and get in touch with us today! Give us a call at (702) 766-9436 or contact us here.