Proper Techniques for Dealing With Home Water Heaters

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking water heater is a disappointing event.

Avoid The Negative Consequences Of a Leaking Water Heater

While your water heater is mostly out of sight and out of mind, it is an appliance you rely on every day. To avoid the negative consequences of a leaking water heater, there are a number of steps you can take. The first is to buy a quality unit and have it installed by a certified contractor. The second is to perform any and all necessary maintenance as per the owner's manual and your contractor. The third is to replace the unit at signs that it is near the end of its lifespan.

How To Handle a Failed Water Heater

If you go into the basement of your home in Fort Collins, CO, and discover a layer of clean water on the floor, your water heater probably failed. The usual route is the bottom rusts out from accumulated sediment, emptying 40 to 70 gallons of water onto the floor. If your basement contains only cement and no personal items, you are in luck and you can probably clean it up yourself and order a new unit.
However, if the leaking water heater saturated carpeting and furniture you will need to take action. Consider following these steps as soon as possible:

• Turn off the water valve to the unit
  
• Call for the services of a local water damage mitigation team
  
• Watch out for safety hazards and electrical issues
  
• Move personal items and furniture away if possible
  
  

How To Cope With a Broken Water Heater

Some household issues call for immediate action. In most cases, you will need to replace your broken unit. The new water heater should give you a good twelve years or more of service. Also, make sure the water cleanup met your expectations and there are no possibilities for secondary damage such as mold growth or lingering odors.
A leaking water heater is a disappointing event. With quick action, you can have the whole thing behind you in a day, with the added benefit of having a new unit installed and ready to go.