How To Prevent Water Damage From a Leaking Water Heater

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

When you discover a leaking water heater, acting fast and stopping the leak will help reduce any harm to your home.

If left unnoticed, a leaking water heater can flood your home in Oklahoma City, OK, and damage the surrounding areas. While an especially large leak that has damaged your walls and floors should be handled by a water damage restoration specialist, there are several steps you can take to try and stop the leaking and remove small amounts of water from your home before it becomes a much larger issue.

Common Causes of a Failed Water Heater

Depending on the source of the leak, a broken water heater may just require a quick repair or need to be replaced. If you’re not comfortable trying to repair the tank yourself, you should get the help of a professional plumber. When inspecting the water heater, you’ll find the leak may be at either the bottom or the top of the tank. Here are several common causes of a leaking water heater:

• Leaking drain valve
• Leaking pressure relief valve
• Leaking tank
• Excessive condensation
• Loose cold- and hot-water inlet and outlet connections
• Loose joint or stripped threaded nipple

Water Mitigation Procedures

If you’re sure you have a broken water heater on your hands, you will need to start by turning off the power supply, which can be powered by either electricity or gas and shutting off the water supply. You can shut off the water with either the water heater valve or your home’s main water valve. Once you get the leaking to cease, try to dry the surrounding area as best as possible and move any furniture or personal belongings from the area. If you notice excessive damage, a water damage restoration specialist will help address any damage that has occurred by using special equipment to extract water from your home and completely dry walls, floors, and furniture.

When you discover a leaking water heater, acting fast and stopping the leak will help reduce any harm to your home. Remember to seek professional help for fixing your water heater and addressing any water damage that has occurred.