When your water heater starts leaking, losing pressure or just stops working altogether, a professional repair is the smart move. But before the technician pulls into the driveway, a little preparation on your end can go a long way. At Payless Water Heaters, we want to make sure your service is quick, efficient and stress-free from start to finish.
Here’s what you should do before our team arrives.
1. Clear a Path to the Water Heater
Most water heaters are tucked away in garages, closets or utility rooms. Make sure there’s clear access to the unit — remove any boxes, tools or stored items that could be in the way. This helps your technician get straight to work without delays.
2. Turn Off Power or Gas Supply (If Safe To Do So)
If you’re comfortable doing so and it’s safe, shut off the power (for electric models) or the gas supply (for gas models). This helps minimize any additional risk while you wait for your technician to arrive. Not sure how to do this? No problem — our techs can handle it when they get there.
3. Shut Off the Water Supply
To prevent further leaking or water damage, turn off the cold water supply going into your water heater. Look for a valve near the top of the tank and turn it clockwise until it stops. This simple step can help avoid a bigger mess.
4. Take Note of the Problem
Write down any unusual sounds, smells or performance issues you’ve noticed. This includes things like:
- Water taking longer to heat
- Puddles or rust around the unit
- Unusual noises like popping or banging
- Changes in water pressure or temperature
Having these details ready can help your technician diagnose the problem faster and more accurately.
5. Remove Children and Pets From the Area
While we love your pets and little ones, it’s best to keep them out of the workspace during a repair visit. This ensures safety for everyone and allows our team to work without distraction.
6. Know the Age and History of Your Water Heater
If you know when your water heater was installed or if it’s had repairs in the past, this information can be helpful. Your technician may ask about it to assess whether repair or replacement is the best option.
7. Be Ready To Discuss Next Steps
Depending on what the technician finds, you might have choices to make — repairing vs. replacing, or considering an energy-efficient upgrade. Our team is always happy to walk you through the pros and cons so you can make the best decision for your home.
8. Think Ahead With Routine Water Heater Maintenance
Preparing for a repair is important — but so is preventing the next one. After service, ask about water heater maintenance to keep your system running smoothly. Regular tune-ups can help you avoid breakdowns and extend the life of your unit.
If your water heater is acting up or showing signs of trouble, don’t wait for it to get worse. Reach out to Payless Water Heaters to schedule a consultation and enjoy fast, reliable service you can trust.
