We all use the hot water that comes out of our taps on a daily basis. From taking a shower in the bathroom to washing the dishes in the kitchen. But if the water unexpectedly stops running hot, it makes us realize how much we rely on it. If your water heater is leaking, it can cause a number of issues in your home. The most severe and costly being severe water damage. If left unfixed, the water can ruin your belongings and compromise your home’s structure to name but a few. If you discover that your water heater is leaking, here’s what you need to do right away.

The quicker you act in this situation, the better. It minimizes damage to the property and your belongings, as well as potentially reducing the cost of repairs. So as shocked and scared as you might be to find that your water heater is leaking, try to remain as calm as possible. The first thing you need to do is turn off the water supply. This will stop any more water from entering the water heater and should temporarily stop the leak. There should be a water valve somewhere in your home that controls the water flow. If you aren’t sure where the valve is, ask a neighbor to help you locate it or call someone who might know.

The next thing you need to do is to contact an emergency plumber who can come and assist you. You can usually find these services through a quick search on Google or in the local phonebook. Listen carefully to any instructions they might give you over the phone and don’t do anything else until they arrive. They may need your help locating the gas line or breaker switch that heats the water heater. Find these while they wait for you to arrive. Some minor leaks can be dealt with quickly and with minor costs. But if your heater is old or badly maintained, a replacement may be necessary. Ask the repair expert for their opinions on whether repairing or replacing is the best options. If you’re concerned about costs and expenses, they might suggest that you buy a tankless water heater instead of buying one.

Regardless of whether you decide to replace or repair your water heater, you will undoubtedly have water to clean up. Remove all items that have been affected by the leak and take them outside to dry. Take photos of these items and any walls and floors that might have also been damaged. This will be extremely useful if you decide to claim on your insurance. If there is a lot of water, contact a water removal service as soon as possible to salvage more.

Follow this action plan and you will minimize damage and prevent if from occurring in future. The last thing you want is to find your home full of water again. So if you find even a minor leak, contact a repair service as soon as possible to prevent further damage.