So you just discovered your water heater is leaking or producing no hot water. Here’s exactly what to do right now to prevent water damage and get hot water back fast.
1. Shut Off the Water Supply Immediately
For tank water heaters:
- Find the cold water shut-off valve on top of the tank
- Turn it clockwise until it stops
- Can’t find it? Shut off your main water supply
Why ? : A leaking 50-gallon tank can flood your home with gallons per minute. Every second counts.
2. Turn Off the Power or Gas
Electric water heaters:
- Go to your breaker box
- Flip the “Water Heater” breaker to OFF
- Can’t find it? Shut off the main breaker
Gas water heaters:
- Turn the gas valve perpendicular to the pipe
- If you smell gas, evacuate immediately and call 911
Safety first: Running electric elements with no water causes fires. Gas leaks cause explosions.
3. Drain the Tank (If Safe)
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and empty remaining water to prevent flooding.
Skip this step if:
- Water is actively flooding
- You smell gas
- The valve won’t open
- You’re unsure—call professionals instead
4. Call Professional Help Right Away
A broken water heater isn’t a DIY repair. You need:
- Licensed technicians
- Same-day service
- Experience with Florida’s hard water issues
What Happens Next: Repair or Replace?
Once a professional inspects your water heater, you’ll face a critical decision. Here’s how to know whether repair or replacement makes financial sense.
A licensed technician will diagnose the problem by checking the heating elements, thermostat, gas valve operation, and examining the tank for corrosion or leaks. They’ll also assess how much sediment has accumulated—a major issue in Florida’s hard water conditions.
When To Repair A Water Heater
If your water heater is less than 6 years old and the problem is a simple component failure, repair is usually the smart choice. Common repairable issues include faulty thermostats ($150-$300), worn heating elements ($200-$400), or failing pressure relief valves ($100-$200). These fixes are straightforward and extend your system’s life without major investment.
The key question: does the repair cost less than 50% of replacement? If you’re looking at a $300 thermostat fix on a 5-year-old unit, that’s a no-brainer repair.
When Replacement Wins
Here’s the hard truth about Florida water heaters: our mineral-heavy water destroys them faster than anywhere else in the country. According to WaterTech, hard water reduces water heater lifespan by 3-5 years compared to soft water areas. That 8-year-old water heater in your garage? It’s lived the equivalent of a 12-year-old unit somewhere else.
Replace immediately if:
- Your tank is actively leaking (tank leaks cannot be repaired)
- The unit is 8+ years old and needs any repair over $400
- You’ve already repaired it 2-3 times in recent years
- You’re seeing rusty water or visible corrosion on the tank
Consumer Reports uses the “50% rule”: if repair costs exceed half the replacement cost AND your unit is past half its expected lifespan, replacement makes more financial sense.
Don’t Wait for Total Failure
The worst time to replace a water heater is when you’re taking cold showers and stressed about flooding. If your unit is 8+ years old and showing warning signs—strange noises, reduced hot water, small leaks, or rusty water—start planning replacement now while you can make informed decisions.
Contact Discount Water Heaters for a free assessment. We’ll tell you honestly whether repair makes sense or if it’s time for replacement.
📞 772-202-6671 – Same-day service available throughout Treasure Coast, FL.