Hot water is vital for having a comfortable shower or washing dishes, but unfortunately, every so often you may face a leak in your hot water systems. While this may seem like a small nuisance, it can quickly turn into a catastrophe by damaging the structural integrity of your walls and floors. Here are some quick steps to undertake when you notice a leak in your hot water systems. You will also need to call the professionals to repair the problem as soon as possible.

Establish the leak location

Hot water systems can leak for a number of different reasons, so you may want to perform a quick inspection. Letting the plumbing professionals know the specific leak area in your water heater will give them a chance to come equipped with the right tools for tackling the problem more easily. Check the areas around the cold and hot water taps near the hot water unit because a leak there may be fixed by simply tightening the loose connections. You should also check the drain valve near the tank's bottom to make sure that there is no leakage. You'll also want to check the tank thoroughly since it is wrapped in insulation, which may get damaged in time.

Turn off the hot water system power

After knowing the source of the leak, be sure to turn off the power to your hot water systems until the plumber arrives. If you have a gas water heater, there should be an on/off switch directly on the heater. Make sure it is off. You'll want to avoid shutting the gas valve off completely because these valves can sometimes be susceptible to damage, so it's best to leave them alone as much as possible. If you have an electric water heater, you need to locate the circuit breaker box to switch off your water heater's breaker.

Shut off the water supply

It's always ideal to shut off the water supply to hot water systems until the plumber arrives to avoid wasting water unnecessarily. Most hot water systems have valves located close to them for shutting off the water supply. Before shutting off the water valve, make sure that you don't come into contact with any water because electricity and water are a lethal combination. Shutting off the water supply will slow down the leak for the time being until the plumber arrives to fix the problem.

Contact a plumbing professional for more information about hot water system repair.