When your water heater leaks, it's a serious problem for everyone involved. Learn more about water heater leaks, why it happens, and how you can fix it
You notice a pool of water under your water tank. It doesn't seem like it's too serious. However, a leaking water heater is a severe problem for you and your home. That's why it's important to know what to do when you experience a water heater leak.
First and foremost, what does a water heater do? And why is a water leak such a serious issue?
A water heater tank helps heat the water in your home. You can thank an electric or gas water heater for providing you and your family with hot water for showers!
A water heater takes water and, you guessed it, heats it beyond whatever temperature it was before entering your home.
Once you notice something amiss, namely a pool of water around your tank, it's time to fix this issue.
To ensure that no further damage occurs, be sure to turn off your water supply.
Finding the two water supply pipes near your water heater should be fairly straightforward. You may even see them color-coded: red for hot water and blue for cold.
Shut off the cold water supply.
However, if there aren't any water pipes in view, check if you can shut off the water supply by flipping a switch on your circuit breaker. This may be the case with an electric water heater.
Like with any troublesome leak or potential damage to your home, it's crucial to contact your insurance provider. Be sure to document any damage caused by a water heater leak.
This crucial step ensures that, if covered, you can dodge a costly repair process.
As with any issue that requires an expert's touch, it's time to call in the professionals. You need to contact someone who has extensive experience with plumbing and appliance repair.
You may be tempted to solve the issue independently, but it's best to depend on the professionals, especially if you need an entire water tank replacement.
Trying your hand at repair, especially if you have no prior background, can potentially cause further damage to your home and run up expensive repair bills.
Additionally, any water source that reaches different surfaces in your home can result in a nasty mold problem. Ensure that you contact someone who's also well-versed in mold removal to examine further damage in your home.
Don't become another cautionary tale when it comes to toxic mold!
There are a few reasons why a water heater leaks.
There's a quick and easy way to tell whether or not your water heater leak could result in an easy fix or an entire tank replacement.
Firstly, which part of the tank does the leak come from? Is it the top or bottom?
If it's the top of the tank, your leak may not be as serious as you initially thought. However, a bottom leak will likely result in some serious plumbing to fix the issue. Here are some common causes for water heater leaks.
Whenever you suspect that your water heater is leaking, it's time to call in the professionals. At Five Star Restoration, a team of experts will help you diagnose the cause of a water heater leak and help you through the steps of repairing it. Plus, the team can help you move forward with the home repair process after significant water damage.
If you need an entire water heater replacement, the team at Five Star is more than willing to assist you during the replacement process.
Whatever your needs regarding water heater leaks, the experts at Five Star Restoration are ready and able to help at a moment's notice. Plus, the team at Five Star knows how to help with everything from burst pipes to unexpected water leaks.
Call Five Star Restoration at 951-368-2227. Speak to our team of professionals and start transforming your home into a safe and clean environment for you and your family.
If you are not sure your location is in the areas we cover, or if you'd just like to chat or ask a question, give us a call.
We are committed to an excellent finished product and even better customer service. Rest assured that when we show up for your restoration needs, you'll be informed, confident and stress-free.
