Most water heaters are stuck in a corner somewhere that are out of sight and out of mind. Unfortunately, sometimes a water heater can start leaking water and can turn into a real disaster especially if they are in an area where that leak goes un-noticed for a long time. If you have noticed that your water heater has begun to leak water do you know the proper steps to reduce the damage to your home and make sure it’s repaired? We’ll take a look at the steps you should take if you have a leaking water heater in Ann Arbor Michigan and the order in which these steps should be taken.
What Should You Do if You Have a Leaking Water Heater in Ann Arbor Michigan?
Just like other home appliances such as your refrigerator or washer, the water heater won’t last forever and will likely eventually break down in some way. Most modern water heaters have a lifespan of about 10 years but that timeframe can change drastically depending on your water, location of the water heater, etc. In any case, when it comes to a leaking water heater there are a few culprits that can cause this problem and it may not even be the water heater itself. With that being said, here are the steps you should take if your water heater is leaking water.
Call a Professional Plumber
The very first thing you should do is call a professional plumber to check the unit. While there are things you can do to help reduce the damage in your home it’s best to have a plumber scheduled to come out and repair or replace the unit quickly. Since all water heaters are not the same as well they may ask you questions about the water heater and advise what you should do next to avoid further damage. For instance, water leaking from a tankless water heater will be a bit different that a traditional water heater.
Is There a Pan Under the Water Heater?
During installation of the water heater there should be a water pan under the water heater. This pan may be plastic or metal but should catch any water that the heater may be leaking. The height of the water heater pan is about 2 inches so it will handle most small leaks but rushing water will overtake the pan and water will spill into your home. There should also be a drain line from the pan to send the leaking water elsewhere so that it does not damage your home. If you have a very small leak that the pan can handle then it’s likely a better idea just to wait on a plumber rather than taking the next steps.
Turn Off the Water Supply to the Water Heater
If the water is leaking from the water heater faster than the pan can catch and remove it then you’ll need to turn off the water supply to the water heater. There should be valves on top of the water heater which can turn off the water. Turn off the cold water intake side.
Turn Off the Power Supply to the Water Heater
With no water going to the water heater you’ll also want to make sure it’s power is turned off. Go to your circuit breaker box and find the water heater breakers. Turn those off to prevent the water heater from trying to heat up water that isn’t there. Not turning the power off to the water heater can cause damage to the water heater elements and other components.
Where is the Leak Actually Coming From?
Once the power and water are turned off you may be able to better determine where the water is leaking from. Sometimes however, the water may be leaking from the internal tank of the water heater which is not easily seen. Since the water heater is likely still full of water it’s a good idea to place towels to catch any water that may still be leaking over the pan.
Call the Professionals at A2 Plumbers
Attempting to diagnose, troubleshoot, or repair your water heater can be dangerous. It’s better to call a professional plumber to repair or replace your water heater. Here at A2 Plumbers we have qualified technicians ready to help with your plumbing problems including water heater leaks. Call us today at 734-291-0258 to schedule service on your water heater in Ann Arbor Michigan.