What To Do When You Have a Broken Water Heater

Needing water heater repair is bad enough, but an emergency such as a sudden leak or burst is even more inconvenient, adding cleanup to an already stressful situation. We have put together this quick guide below to help you know what to do if your water heater is leaking, ensuring the safety of your home and preventing further damage.

Three Things To Do When You Have a Water Heater Burst

Find & Turn Off the Cold Water Supply

By turning off the water supply if your water heater is leaking, you can minimize the spread of water damage.

Step 1: Find the pipe leading from the main water line to the water heater.

Step 2: Turn the valve clockwise until you can no longer turn it.

These steps will stop water flow into the tank and prevent further leakage.

Turn off The Gas / Disable the Power

Depending on the power source, there are two ways to safely turn off the gas or electricity to your water heater to safeguard against further damage or risk of fire. 

For Gas-Powered Water Heaters:

Locate the Gas Line: Find the gas line leading to the water heater.

Shut Off the Gas: Turn off the gas supply to the water heater.

Vacate the Premises: Leave your home until the natural gas smell dissipates to ensure safety.

For Electric Water Heaters:

Locate the Breaker: Find your electrical breaker box's breaker for the hot water tank.

Flip the Breaker: Switch off the breaker to cut off power to the water heater.

Once you have safely turned the power or gas off to your water heater, contact a licensed plumber such as Moe’s to help fix your water heater, and you will get back up and running as efficiently as possible. 

Remove Belongings

Water is a very agile element, and it will spread to other things, both in obvious ways, such as seeing pooling water. Still, it can also seep and soak into surrounding furniture, belongings, and materials, so you must clear away anything you have near the water heater as soon as you think you have a leak. Here's a breakdown of how to handle a water heater leak whether it’s from your water heater or any other water source:

Remove Undamaged Items: Carefully remove any undamaged items to prevent them from possible damage and to give you better visibility for documenting the damage to your property.

Document the Damage: Photograph damaged items, as well as walls, floors, and fixtures affected by water. These photos will be essential for your insurance claim.

Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum: Remove standing water around the tank and any soaked carpeted areas with a wet/dry vacuum.

Dehumidify the Area: If available, use a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth.

These steps can help minimize mold and mildew growth and further water damage. Contacting a professional plumber to look into repairing your water heater or if you need your water heater replaced, such as Moe’s Plumbing, can help you get back to normal. 

Call Your Insurance Company and Local Plumbing Company

In the aftermath of a water heater burst or similar emergency, it's crucial to make an insurance claim and contact a trusted plumbing company immediately to discuss how to fix your water heater. Your insurance agent will likely send out restoration experts to assess the damage and draw out excess moisture. Don't dispose of your water heater; the insurance adjuster will need it for assessment.

While the cost of the water heater itself may not be covered, damages caused by the burst, such as property damage, will likely be covered, minus your deductible. During the visit, an insurance adjuster will evaluate the damage, so be prepared to show them the photos you've taken.

Contacting a certified plumber if you think you might have a water heater leak or you’ve experienced a catastrophic water heater burst should be a priority to prevent further water damage, ensure your safety, and have additional and accurate information to present to the insurance adjuster. 

What to Do When a Water Heater is Leaking

Water is a sneaky element, and you shouldn’t underestimate the potential damage even a small water heater leak can cause. It can quickly escalate into a major problem, leading to more significant damage, cleanup costs and health risks. Calling a plumber promptly can prevent this from happening. The experts at Moe’s Plumbing can advise if it’s better to fix the water heater or if you will need a full water heater replacement. 

Does Your Water Heater Need Fixed? Call Moe's

In times of water heater emergencies, quick and efficient action is crucial. When a broken water heater or a leak happens, don’t let it dampen your day, and reach out to Moe's Plumbing. Our experienced team is here to help you with water heater repair or replacement, how to dispose of a water heater once your insurance is done, and everything else in between. 

Don't let a water heater emergency catch you off guard. Contact Moe's Plumbing today for water heater repair and ensure the safety and comfort of your home.