Did you know that water heating is the second-largest energy expense in your home? It can account for up to 18 percent of your overall utility bills, so it’s important to stay on top of any problems you might be having.
There’s nothing worse than moving into a new home only to start experiencing unforeseen problems, and having a broken water heater might be at the top of that list. There’s nothing worse than cold showers when you’re used to steamy ones, but we’re here to help you avoid that altogether.
Read on to learn about the necessary steps to take when you’re experiencing problems with your hot water heater.
Stop the Water
First, you’re going to turn the water valve on your heater off. This isn’t going to shut off your home’s main water supply, so don’t worry.
Shut Off All Power
From there, it’s important to turn off the electric or gas heating element connected to your water heater. It can stay on even after all the water is out of the tank, meaning wasted money, energy, and a potential fire hazard.
Clean Up
Finally, attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of your water heater’s tank. Run the other end of the hose to an area that’s safe to drain to, open the drain valve, and then flip the relief valve handle.
If you have one, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove water from around the tank. You can also run a dehumidifier or fans to promote ventilation and remove the risk of mold and mildew from forming.
From there, you can leave it up to the professionals.
File an Insurance Claim
Next, take photos of any damaged structural elements or furniture to help your insurance company determine how much it’s going to cost to repair or replace your items. Contact your insurance agent to start the claim process, and be sure to not throw the hot water tank away. It’s important for helping determine the cause and location of the burst to determine who pays for the damages.
Call in a Professional
It’s essential to call in a professional like the ones at benjaminfranklinplumbingmi.com if you’re having trouble with your hot water heater. They’ll be able to help you fix the issue, or install a new one, and have you back in business in no time.
Don’t Ignore Your Broken Water Heater
The worst thing you can do is ignore a broken water heater. It might seem easier to put it off if the issues you’re having are spotty, but it’s not worth it to leave yourself that vulnerable in the end. Whether you’re having consistent problems or you think the time has come to replace your hot water heater, it’s best to have the job done as soon as possible.
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