3 Steps To Take When Your Water Heater Breaks

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

A broken water heater can cause serious damage.

The average lifespan of a water heater is 10 to 13 years. A leaking water heater can result from damaged supply lines, internal rust, high water pressure, or sediment buildup. A water heater leak can damage the nearby walls and floor and may eventually cause it to stop working completely. If you have noticed a leak or suspect another problem, it is important to act quickly.

1. Turn Off Your Water Heater

If you notice signs that you have a broken water heater, such as strange noises, turn it off immediately. If the heater uses gas, turn the thermostat dial to the OFF position. For an electric heater, cut the power at the circuit breaker.

2. Stop the Leak

If you have a leaking water heater, stop the leak by turning off the water supply and then drain the water heater. Shut off the water by turning the valve near the heater clockwise as far as you can or shut the water to your home off at the main water supply.

Once the water is off, attach one end of a hose to the drainage valve and move the other to a safe place to drain the water. Open the drainage valve to drain the water and the pressure relief valve to prevent a vacuum from forming. If a large amount of water has accumulated from the leak, contact a water remediation company to dry out your home.

3. Rinse Your Water Heater

Once the heater is drained, open the water supply and flush it with cold water to remove any remaining sediment. If you have a failed water heater, you may need to contact a professional in North St. Paul, MN, to repair or replace it.

It is better to deal with a leaking water heater before it completely fails. Taking these steps can save you cleanup time and reduce property damage.