What to Do if Your Water Heater Breaks
A broken water heater can be a nightmare for any homeowner. If you find your water heater making strange noises or if it has completely quit working, what should you do? You will want to do as much as you can to lessen any damage that could occur. Follow these steps below to avoid a mess or costly repairs.
Step 1 Turn off the Power- Immediately turn off the power supply. If you have a gas heater there should be a dial on the top. If you have an electric heater, turn off the circuit breaker.
Step 2 Turn off Water- Twist the water valve clockwise until it stops. If you are not able to get it to turn off that way than turn off the water supply to your entire home. This step is extremely important and needs to be done as soon as possible.
Step 3 Drain the Water Heater- You will need to find the drain valve at the bottom of the water tank and then attach a hose to it. Run the other end of the hose to an area where you can drain dirty water. You will then need to open the drain valve.
Step 4 Open Pressure Relief Valve- Flip the valve to keep a vacuum from forming while the water is draining. When doing this you need to be very careful because the water will most likely be very hot.
Step 5 Flush with Cold Water– Once your water heater is drained, you will want to rinse it with cold water for a few minutes to flush out any sediments.
If your water heater bursts or leaks, you will need a professional. Call the trained experts at ServiceMaster Restoration. We offer 24/7 water damage restoration services and work hard to offer you peace of mind. (704) 324-8528.
