To avoid confusion over debits and credits, avoid thinking of them in the way that they are used in everyday language, which often refers to a credit as increasing an account and a debit as decreasing an account. For example, if our bank credits our checking account, money is added to it and the balance increases.
One way to reduce the frequency of this occurrence is to maintain an air pocket at the top of the water heater tank. This air pocket will form in the tank by design - however, it will be reduced over time by the everyday use of your water heater. To replenish this air pocket: Turn off the water heater.
If the water heater is old and corroded, cleaning the sediment from the water and sanitizing by chlorination could cause the water heater to leak. Procedure for Sanitizing of Hot Water Heaters to Eliminate Odors. 1  1. Turn off the manual switch if the water heater is electric. 2  For gas heaters, turn the control to Pilot.