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If you're replacing a broken water heater, now is a great time to make sure you're selecting a unit that has the right capacity for your household. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a small 50-gallon to 60-gallon tank is sufficient for households with one to three people. A medium-sized 80-gallon tank is considered ideal for three to four people. A larger tank may be needed if your household has four to six people.

We recommend you turn off the unit, the power, and the water supply as soon as you notice a leak. Your water heater tank should have a dedicated shut-off valve located on the cold inlet pipes. If the valve is broken or inoperable, use the shut-off valve to your home's main water supply to stop the flow to the entire house.

Avoid touching valves or pipes directly without confirming if they are hot. Wear gloves and other safety gear to keep from coming into contact with hot levers or components when turning off your leaking water heater.

When replacing an old unit, you might want to switch from a gas water heater to an electric water heater or vice versa. To do this, you will likely need to add infrastructure to the area. For example, you likely don’t have a gas line that served your old electric water heater. You’d have to call a plumber to put in a new gas line. If you’re replacing a gas unit with an electric one, the plumber will need to safely cap the old gas line. You will then need an electrician to add wiring for the new electric unit.

While a water heater explosion is rare, it is a serious danger. Be aware of these critical warning signs:

• Sulfur or Rotten Egg Smell: This is a major red flag, especially for gas water heaters. It can indicate a gas leak, which could ignite and cause an explosion.

• Leaking Pressure Valve: If the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is leaking, it may not be able to properly regulate internal pressure, creating a risk of bursting.

• Shaking or Rumbling: Loud rumbling or shaking from the tank can be a sign of extreme pressure buildup.

• Excessive Heat: If the exterior of the water heater feels unusually hot to the touch, the unit may be overheating dangerously.

• Rust-Colored Water: This can be a symptom of severe internal corrosion that compromises the tank's integrity.

If you notice any of these signs, especially a gas smell, you must act immediately. Shut off the gas supply to the water heater and call a professional plumber right away to prevent a potential disaster.