Water heater leaks are the kind of plumbing problem that can quickly turn from a minor issue into a major disaster. When leaks in your water heater spiral out of control, they can cause damage to your floors and walls, in addition to creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive. But this is just the beginning—a leak which goes unchecked will only get worse, eventually causing your water heater to shut down, potentially flooding your home and forcing you to pay thousands of dollars in repair costs. For the sake of your property and your plumbing system, it is important to know what to do if you have a water leak. Fortunately, you are not powerless. Keep reading to learn the steps to take at the first sign of a leak, and contact our skilled Memphis plumbers at Smith’s Plumbing Services for all your emergency plumbing needs.
Steps to Take If You Have a Water Heater Leak
- Shut Off Your Power Supply: Before doing anything else, turning off the power going to your water heater is the first step you must take when dealing with a water heater leak. If you have an electric water heater, you can do this by switching off the corresponding circuit breaker in your electric panel box. If you have a gas water heater, you should be able to find an off switch or dial at the bottom of the tank.
- Stop the Flow of Water: To stop the flow of water coming to your heater, you must find the water shut-off valve on the top of the unit. In most cases, all you have to do to close the valve is pull down the handle. In cases where the shut-off valve is operated by a dial, you will do this by turning said dial clockwise. If you are not able to locate your water heater’s shut-off valve, or are not able to reach it safely, you can turn off the main shut-off water valve to your home, stopping the flow of water on your property completely.
- Call an Experienced Plumber Right Away: Once again, it is important to note that speed is extremely important when dealing with water heater issues. Even if your unit appears to be okay for the moment, you will want to call a professional as soon as possible to inspect it. Fortunately, our experienced Memphis plumbing team provides same-day appointments, and is available 24/7 for emergencies, so you always get the services you need. Call today for water heater repair and replacement, including for tankless systems, and consider hiring us for regular plumbing maintenance to help your equipment function well all year-round.
Smith’s Plumbing Services is available by phone at (901) 290-1110, or you can contact us online.