How to Effectively Deal with a Water Heater Leak

It’s always a good idea to promptly deal with any issues–even if they seem minor–because they tend to become bigger the longer you put them off. This is especially true when it comes to water heater leaks. Those wet areas around your water heater may not seem like a big deal, but they actually are! Even minor leaks can damage your floors, sub-flooring and walls–not to mention encourage the growth of mold and mildew. Most importantly, a leak can indicate a serious issue with your water heater. So how exactly do you deal with this problem? The premier plumbing and  air duct cleaning  company in the area, R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc., shares some handy pointers. below: 

There are a couple of things that can lead to water heater leaks, including:

A loose drain valve.  A gap in the valve may allow water to escape, so if it appears like your valve is leaking, tighten it with a wrench until it’s snug. Make sure you don’t tighten the valve too much, though.

Excessive pressure.  In some cases, a water heater leak occurs because the tank has built up too much pressure. This may be caused by the water temperature being set too high or the exterior water supply coming in at too high of a pressure for the tank.

Age.  HVAC maintenance  is crucial for extending the life of your heating or cooling system. The same goes for water heaters. But eventually, regular maintenance just won’t cut it anymore. When your water heater is already past its prime, it becomes more susceptible to issues such as leaks and will need to be replaced.

If your water heater is still fairly new, however, expert repair work is probably all it will need. By pinpointing the root cause of the leak and having it resolved, you can extend the life of the unit. At the same time, you can avoid potential flooding as well as an extensive and costly home restoration. Once you’ve noticed water leaking from your water heater, follow these steps:

Turn off the water supply.  To prevent any additional water from flowing into and leaking out of the tank, you’ll need to shut off the water supply. This means finding and closing the cold-water shut-off valve at the top of the unit. Newer water heater models typically come with a handle you can pull down or a dial you can turn clockwise, allowing for simpler operation. If you’re having trouble reaching for the valve safely, you can just turn off your home’s main shut-off valve instead. It’s usually located outside your house–just follow the main water line if you don’t know where it is.

Turn off the power supply.  Here’s the next step: stop the flow of power to your water heater. If you have an electric model, head to the electrical panel and shut off the power at the appropriate breaker. If you have a gas-powered water heater, just look for the ON/OFF switch or dial located near the bottom of the tank. Once you’ve switched off both the water and power supplies, pick up the phone and call a trusted local plumbing and  HVAC repair  expert for a comprehensive inspection and service repair.

Have your water heater repaired.  Dealing with a water heater leak will require the expertise of a professional plumbing company. It’s not a task even an adept DIYer should attempt. Your plumbing technician will evaluate the current situation, assess the severity of your water heater leak and determine the appropriate course of action. Depending on the results, you’ll either have the unit repaired or have a replacement installed.

Prioritize routine maintenance.  Does your water heater need repaired or replaced? Either way, you’ll need to think seriously about its maintenance. The tank, for instance, has to be drained twice a year, and its temperature-pressure-relief valve has to be tested periodically. There are some tasks that you can do yourself, but when it comes to thorough inspections and tune-ups, it’s best to leave such work to the pros. You can count on R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc. for this. We’re not just your expert in  HVAC maintenance –we’re also the go-to choice for plumbing repair and maintenance services. 

Given how your water heater is one of the most crucial elements in your home, you’ll want to make sure it’s always in tip-top shape. You can do this by working with a reliable plumbing company that can deal with its issues–such as a leak–and give it the necessary tune-up. But looking for one can be a bit daunting unless you know what to look for. When having work done on your water heater, make sure your choice of plumbing company has these qualities:

Established.  While there’s nothing wrong with taking a chance on a new company, it’s still a better idea to choose one that already has an established reputation. R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc., for example, has been in business since 1988. Whether you need  HVAC repair  or water heater installation, you can always expect high-quality workmanship backed by more than 30 years of industry experience. We eliminate the potential for mistakes, always ensuring the job is done perfectly the first time

Certified.  A contractor that’s earned certifications is committed to ongoing training and education, providing homeowners with more advanced options and using the latest methods to deliver better results. The skilled team of HVAC and plumbing technicians from R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc. are NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified. Choosing us to deal with your HVAC and plumbing needs ensures that you get only the best-quality service available.

Quick to respond.  Plumbing emergencies are more common than you think. You’ll want to be able to call immediately for assistance should an emergency occur in your home. R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc., can help you with this as well. Our 24-hour emergency response service allows us to deal with your plumbing disaster quickly and efficiently. We have the tools, equipment and experience to handle the job and keep your water heater running smoothly all-year-round.

In addition to professional  air duct cleaning , R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc. can also handle your water heating needs. When you choose us for the job, you can expect a safe and worry-free experience. We serve Farmington, NM, and nearby areas. Call us today at (505) 327-7755 or fill out this  contact form  to schedule your consultation.

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