What to Do If Your Water Heater Fails: A Step-by-Step Guide to Handling Water Damage

11/5/2024 (Permalink)

What to Do If Your Water Heater Fails

A malfunctioning or burst water heater can lead to extensive water damage in your home or business. Whether your water heater fails suddenly or is showing signs of wear, it's important to act quickly to minimize damage and prevent further issues. SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland is here to guide you through the essential steps to take if your water heater goes out, as well as how our water damage restoration services can help you get back on track.

1. Turn Off the Water Supply The first step when dealing with a failed or leaking water heater is to stop the flow of water. This will help prevent further flooding and water damage in your home or business.

• Locate your water shut-off valve. For most homes, this will be near the water heater itself, but it may also be located at the main water line leading into the building.
• Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply. If you're unsure where the shut-off valve is, look for a main shut-off valve near your water meter or in the basement or crawlspace.

2. Turn Off the Power or Gas Supply If your water heater is electric, the next step is to cut the power to the unit to avoid electrical hazards. If you have a gas water heater, you'll need to turn off the gas supply.

• For electric water heaters, locate your circuit breaker panel and switch off the breaker that powers the water heater.
• For gas water heaters, find the gas valve and turn it off. You may also want to consult your water heater’s manual or a professional if you're unsure how to safely turn off the gas.

3. Assess the Damage Once the water supply and power have been turned off, carefully assess the extent of the damage. Depending on the situation, you may experience everything from a minor leak to a full flood. Check the area around the water heater for standing water, damp carpets, wet walls, or water pooling in nearby rooms.

• If you notice significant water damage or standing water, it’s important to take quick action to prevent mold growth and structural damage.

4. Remove Excess Water and Moisture If the water is still leaking or has already flooded a room, it’s crucial to remove excess water as quickly as possible. You can use a wet/dry vacuum, towels, or a mop to soak up as much water as you can.

• If the flooding is extensive, it’s best to call in professionals like SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland, who have the equipment and expertise to remove large amounts of water efficiently and safely.
• If you can’t access the water heater area immediately or if there’s too much water to handle alone, call a professional to start the restoration process immediately.

5. Dry Out the Area Once the standing water has been removed, the next step is to dry out the area to prevent further damage and the potential for mold growth. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to promote airflow and moisture evaporation.

• SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland uses industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out affected areas, ensuring that water-damaged areas are properly dried and reducing the chances of mold and mildew growth.

6. Call a Professional Water Damage Restoration Service Water damage restoration isn’t a DIY job, especially if it involves significant flooding or moisture exposure to structural elements such as drywall, insulation, or flooring. That's where SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland can help.

• Our IICRC-certified water damage restoration experts are trained to assess the full scope of the damage and restore your home or business to its pre-damage condition.
• We provide services like water extraction, drying, mold remediation (if necessary), and the repair or replacement of damaged materials like drywall and flooring.

7. Contact a Plumber or HVAC Specialist While SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland can handle the water damage restoration, you’ll also need a licensed plumber or HVAC professional to address the root cause of the problem—your water heater.

• A plumber can assess whether the water heater needs repairs or if it requires replacement.
• If your water heater has been damaged beyond repair, a professional can help you select and install a new unit to avoid future issues.

8. Prevent Future Water Heater Failures To avoid dealing with water heater problems again in the future, it’s important to take preventive steps:

• Regular Maintenance: Have your water heater serviced annually to check for signs of wear, leaks, or sediment buildup.
• Inspect for Leaks: Periodically inspect the area around your water heater for any signs of leaks or pooling water.
• Install a Leak Detection System: Consider installing a water leak detection system or a water heater pan to catch small leaks before they cause significant damage.

A failed water heater can cause significant water damage, but acting quickly and following the right steps can help minimize the impact. Whether it's turning off the water supply, assessing the damage, or calling in a professional for restoration, SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland is here to help. If you’ve experienced water damage from a broken water heater, our experienced team can quickly respond to assess, clean, and restore your property to its pre-damage condition.

Don’t let water damage from a faulty water heater cause lasting problems—contact SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland for fast and reliable water damage restoration services today.