Water leaks are not something to be taken lightly. They can cause extensive property damage and waste hundreds of liters of water every day. If you're lucky, your water heater will simply be leaking out the bottom, but if you don't know what to do, here are 4 things.
1. Check where the leak is happening
The first thing that you'll want to do is find out exactly where the leak from your water heater is happening. This will make it much easier for you to deal with the situation and prevent further damage. You can find useful knowledge online and see what you can do by yourself.
If your water heater has been leaking for a long time, it's possible that you have mold or mildew in the walls surrounding the unit. This can be very dangerous if inhaled, so you will need to take care of this as soon as possible.
2. Turn off electricity
Water heaters are typically connected to an electrical system that is powered by a switch. There should be a breaker box near the unit, usually right next to it. Be sure to turn off all the switches before attempting any work on your water heater, as this could cause severe injuries if you don't know what you are doing.
You may want to have someone close by just in case things go wrong, and you need help getting out of there quickly.
3. Call someone that knows what they are doing
If you don't know how to shut off your water heater, it's best to contact a professional. They can help assess the situation and determine exactly what needs to be done in order to fix it. If your home is hooked up with plumbing that is over 30 years old, this may indicate the need for some major repairs across the entire system.
This will require someone who knows what they are doing, as plumbing systems are very dangerous if not handled correctly.
4. Keep an eye out for future damage
Leaks from water heaters do not happen overnight, they go unnoticed until it is too late. If you think that your water heater may be leaking, keep an eye on the walls surrounding it for any signs of mold or mildew.
This can be a warning sign telling you that something is wrong. You may also want to watch the unit itself in case there are any changes in appearance over time, such as discoloration or water gathering around it.
Why do water heaters leak?
Water heaters can leak for a number of reasons, but the most common cause is that the tank itself has rusted out. This occurs over time and is usually undetected because it happens gradually rather than overnight. The rust causes holes in the unit, which allows water to flow freely from it instead of through the pipes safely.
Once this happens, there's no going back, so you will have to get a new one installed promptly before further damage occurs.
Why should you have monthly maintenance of your water heater?
Proper maintenance can save you money and time in the long run. Inspecting your water heater on a monthly basis can help to prevent unexpected leaks from occurring, which could cause extensive property damage if left untreated.
A professional will be able to detect signs of rust or other issues that could lead to problems down the road, so it's safe to have them check things out every once in a while. This is also a good idea for anyone who isn't experienced with plumbing repairs, as it helps to eliminate any guesswork when attempting to fix something yourself.
If the problem is too big or complicated for you, this prevents you from having to take drastic measures that may result in injuries for yourself or others around you.
How can you lower the breakage of your water heater, besides maintenance?
There are a few simple things that you can do in order to protect your water heater. The first thing is to make sure that it is placed in an area where it receives direct sunlight for no more than four hours per day. If the unit is constantly exposed to high temperatures, this could cause damage over time and lead to leaks or rust if it's not properly taken care of.
Another way to prevent serious damage is by keeping your tank full at all times. This will ensure proper insulation, which prevents the exterior from getting too hot. You might sometimes have to drain your water heater so make sure you do that correctly.
Being prepared for anything can definitely help to protect it from unforeseen circumstances, which is why you should always have a backup plan in case anything goes wrong.
Water heaters can be extremely dangerous if they are not properly maintained or inspected for signs of damage. Leaks will only get worse over time and cause serious damage to your home and belongings, so it's important that you take the proper precautions when it comes to plumbing systems.
