4 Steps to Preparing Your Leaky Heater for a Repair Service

Team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering top-quality service with honesty and integrity. With years of experience in the plumbing industry, we have the skills and expertise to handle everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs.

William Creamer • November 25, 2019
OUR BEST TEAM

Dedicated to providing great services

Each member of our team is trained in the latest industry techniques and committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism.


From small repairs to large installations, you can count on us for reliable, friendly, and efficient service every time.

White water heater with exposed pipes and hoses in a utility room.

All good things come to an end, and the same can be said about your water heaters. These fixtures typically last around eight years (or 12 if you take excellent care for it). However, it will start to leak eventually. Many things can cause your water heater to leak—corrosion, loose pipes, damaged pressure valves, and so on. The great news is that these leaks are straightforward to fix, and there are a few steps you can take to make sure that the plumber can perform the quickest fixes.
With that said, here's a simple step-by-step guide to preparing your water heater for a repair:

Step 1 - Turn off the fixture

The last thing you want to happen when working with your water is to burn yourself from the heat—not the best way to start a repair.   If your water heater is powered by electricity, you'll have to turn it off using the breaker. Look for your breaker box or panel, and look for the one that is connected with your water heater. Normally, it should be labeled appropriately as "Water Heater." Switch it off.  If your water heater runs on gas, look for your thermostat. On it, you should see three settings: Pilot, On, and Off. Either turn the knob to "Off" or "Pilot."

Step 2 - Cut off the water supply

Next, you'll need to look for the source of water that feeds into your water heater. Look for the line that leads into your water heater and the valve that controls it. Once you've located it, turn the knob in the appropriate direction (in most cases, right) to shut off the water supply. Only once this is done, should you begin the next step.

Step 3 - Drain the tank

If your water heater comes with a tank, you will need to drain the tank. Look under your water heater and locate a valve where you can attach a hose to it. Remember, don't open it just yet. Attach the hose and run it to a drain somewhere else. 

Once everything is set in place, only then should you open the valves to drain the water out of the tanks. If you do not know what the valve looks like, consult your water heater manual and specifications provided by the manufacturer.
 
You might run into a problem where the water isn't draining quickly or isn't draining at all. That's because you're creating a vacuum inside the water tank itself, trying to drain the water out. To fix this, look for a hot water faucet. Turn it on, and air will travel through that faucet into your water tanks. And with that, air replaces the vacuum, and the water flows out smoothly. 

Step 4 - Contact your plumber

With that all done, your water heater is ready for diagnosis. Phone up your plumber and tell him or her that your water heater is leaking and needs repair. They'll come right over and have the problem fixed.
 
By following the steps we've given you on preparing your water heater for repair, you cut down the repair process by a significant amount of time. Not only that, but you've just made your plumber's life easier by allowing him and her to quickly identify the cause of the leak and carry out the repair. 
 
If you’re looking for electrician services in the Wiregrass area to help repair your heaters, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

Fast Az Services offers:
  • Professional Plumbing Services Dothan
  • Best Electrical Services for Dothan, AL
  • Top Plumbing Repairs Near Me
  • Affordable Electrician for Ozark, AL

White utility truck parked beside a beige building on a grassy lawn with a long white hose or cable running ahead
By William Creamer September 7, 2023
Saving time and money for the people of the wiregrass
Icicle hanging from a metal gutter on a house wall in winter.
By William Creamer September 5, 2023
Introduction: Plumbing problems are never a welcomed sight for homeowners or business owners. The thought of having your yard torn up or your property disrupted for days on end can be a daunting prospect. However, there's a revolutionary solution that's changing the game in the world of plumbing repairs: trenchless plumbing repair. Fast Az Services is at the forefront of this innovative approach, providing efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions. In this blog, we'll delve into the world of trenchless repair and discover how Fast Az Services is making a difference. The Trenchless Revolution: Traditionally, repairing or replacing underground pipes involved extensive excavation and disruption to your property. Not only was this process time-consuming, but it also left homeowners with costly restoration work to deal with afterward. Enter trenchless plumbing repair, a modern approach that's transforming the plumbing industry. Trenchless repair methods, such as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining and pipe bursting, allow for repairs without the need for extensive digging. Fast Az Services has embraced these innovative techniques, offering a range of benefits for their customers. Minimal Disruption: One of the primary advantages of trenchless plumbing repair is the minimal disruption it causes to your property. Traditional repairs involve digging trenches and excavating large portions of your yard or driveway. With trenchless solutions, the disruption is significantly reduced, leaving your property virtually untouched. Speedy Repairs: Fast Az Services lives up to its name. Trenchless repairs are often completed much faster than traditional methods. This means less downtime for you and your family, as well as reduced inconvenience. Cost-Effective: While trenchless repairs may seem more expensive upfront, they often prove to be more cost-effective in the long run. You'll save on labor and restoration costs since there's less damage to your property. Fast Az Services ensures that you get the best value for your investment. Durability: Trenchless repairs result in durable, corrosion-resistant pipes that are built to last. Fast Az Services uses high-quality materials and techniques to ensure the longevity of your plumbing system, giving you peace of mind for years to come. The Environmentally Friendly Choice: In addition to being convenient and cost-effective, trenchless plumbing repair is also an environmentally friendly choice. Fast Az Services is committed to reducing the environmental impact of plumbing repairs by minimizing excavation and soil disturbance. This means less disruption to the local ecosystem and a greener approach to plumbing solutions. Conclusion: Fast Az Services is leading the way in trenchless plumbing repair, revolutionizing the industry with efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions. Say goodbye to the days of disruptive and time-consuming plumbing repairs. With Fast Az Services, you can enjoy a streamlined process that ensures your plumbing is back in top shape in no time, without compromising on quality or the environment. When plumbing issues arise, remember that Fast Az Services is your partner in embracing the future of plumbing repair. Give us a call Today.
Rusty, decayed wooden log with a hollow end on a white surface
By William Creamer March 22, 2022
When you own a home, it can be very expensive, and you don't want to hear that your pipe needs to be repaired. If that's the case, it's only a matter of how much it will cost. In the past, underground pipe repair required several days and a lot of digging, as well as significant property damage. Now, trenchless pipe repair allows plumbers to fix a pipe in less than a day with minimal digging. While this technique is becoming more common, many homeowners have questions. Here are some things to consider. Expenses up front It is also possible to choose a plumber more easily because traditional pipe repair is more common. A traditional pipe repair typically costs $50 to $250 per foot, not including the cost of repairing the property. In trenchless pipe repair, there are two methods available: Lateral Pipe Lining: This method uses an existing pipe, and adds an epoxy layer to cover cracks and irregularities in the pipe, creating a new pipe. The cost of lateral pipe lining can range from $80 to $250 per foot. Bursting: Using a pneumatic or hydraulic head, this method destroys the old pipe and replaces it with a new one. It is usually cheaper than lateral pipe lining, ranging between $60 and $200 per foot of pipe replaced. Traditional repair methods appear to be cheaper on paper, but they aren't always the most cost-effective. Uncovering hidden costs There are costs associated with traditional pipe repairs that are not included in the initial estimate. The cost of excavating the old pipe, for example, may not be included, or another contractor may be required. In addition, moving any heavier objects that are over the sewer line can be costly. In the end, even though the initial cost covers everything, it probably won't cover the cost of repairing a driveway or landscaping that is damaged. Homeowners often pay thousands of dollars to get their property back to the way it was. Trenchless repairs avoid these costs because they are minimally invasive. No ground is ripped up, and no additional work is required. When it comes to repairing a broken pipe, trenchless repairs are generally cheaper, more cost-effective, and easier to perform. A professional can help you maintain your pipes. It's important to call a professional if you think a pipe needs to be repaired. At Fast Az Service s, we’ve been helping homeowners in New Haven and Fairfield Counties since 1992. To schedule a look at your pipes, call us today at (334) 685-1867.

Contact Us

Got a plumbing issue? We’re here to help! Whether you need emergency repairs, routine maintenance, or have a question about our services, our team is ready to assist you.

GET A PROFESSIONAL HELP

Book a service today

(334) 685-1867

Quick and Reliable

We are available 24/7 via fax, email or telephone