What To Do If Your Commercial Water Heater Malfunctions

18 February 2025

Water heaters are essential installations in commercial buildings, where these systems allow buildings to access a hot, clean water supply.

Depending on the nature of the building, this water may be used for cleaning, heating, food preparation or manufacturing processes, meaning any malfunctions could be incredibly disruptive.

As such, it is important to be aware of how you should proceed if your water heater does begin to break down. Implementing an effective preventative maintenance schedule will help to minimise the likelihood of malfunctions before they occur, but if your system does fall into disrepair, then you need to handle this emergency situation with care and attention.

Read on to find out more about what you should do if your commercial water heater malfunctions.

Turn Off Power

A malfunctioning water heater could pose a health and safety risk to your building, and as such it is essential that you isolate your system as quickly as possible. If your water heater is electric, then you should locate the circuit breaker and turn it off. Also aim to locate your water shut-off valve and turn this off too.

Contain Leaks

Commercial water heaters are likely to contain large quantities of liquid, meaning that any malfunctions could result in a serious spillage. If your water heater has shut down, look out for any leaks and contain them as best you can, where you may wish to place a bucket beneath your water system, or ensure that sensitive electronics are moved to a safe location.

Monitor Performance

If your water heater has broken down, then the situation may develop before you can get hold of an experienced plumber. As such, keep an eye on your malfunctioning system so you can provide an up-to-date report to your repair team when you get in touch. Listen out for unusual sounds for instance, and take note of visible signs of wear and tear.

Contact the Professionals

Above all, you should never attempt to repair your water heater yourself, as you may expose yourself to potential hazards. Always contact your licensed plumber as soon as possible to handle the emergency, where you should follow their instructions closely to prevent further malfunctions or mishaps.

Caledonian Heating & Plumbing: Looking After Your Commercial Water Heater

We’re on-hand to provide expert commercial heating maintenance and repair services, where we can fix your malfunctioning water heater and get your business back on track. We also offer industrial heating repairs and commercial boiler servicing, helping to support your commercial endeavours throughout any emergency situation.

Get in touch with us today to find out more about our heating maintenance and repair work.

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