5 Actionable Tips To Mitigate A Water Heater Burst

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are ready to tackle any size disaster!

A water heater burst is one of the most common and costly problems homeowners face.

Like most people, you probably don't give much thought to your water heater until there's a problem. And that's the worst time to think about it! A water heater burst can cause gallons of water to flow throughout your home in a short period, damaging walls, floors, furniture, and anything else in its path.

An essential thing to remember is to act fast when you have a water heater burst. A small leak can quickly turn into extensive damage, damaging the structure of your home and belongings.

The professionals at SERVPRO of North Fulton have seen it all when it comes to water damage disasters, and we're here to help you through the process of restoring your home. We put together the following post to discuss some tips to mitigate the damage caused by a water heater burst.

What is a water heater, and how does it burst?

Water heaters are an essential part of any home. They provide hot water for showers, washing dishes, and laundry. But like all appliances, they occasionally malfunction and burst.

A water heater can burst for various reasons, but most often, it's due to a build-up of sediment in the tank. As the water in the tank is heated, the sediment settles to the bottom and can form a hard, crusty layer. Sediment can cause the water heater to overheat and eventually burst.

Another common reason for a water heater to burst is excessive pressure build-up. Pressure build-up may occur by a faulty pressure relief valve or a blocked gas vent. Whatever the reason, a water heater burst can cause a lot of damage to your home.

How to prevent a water heater burst

Now that you understand why water heaters burst let's discuss some tips to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Firstly, it's essential to have your water heater regularly serviced by a professional. A professional will remove any sediment built up in the tank and keep the appliance running smoothly.

You should also check the pressure relief valve regularly to ensure it's functioning correctly. This valve is responsible for releasing pressure from the tank to prevent it from bursting.

If you have a gas water heater, check the vent regularly to ensure it's clear and unobstructed. A blocked or restricted vent can cause excessive pressure build-up and lead to a burst tank.

Five tips to mitigate a water heater burst

The mitigation process for a water heater burst is similar to any other water damage event.

Tip 1: The first thing you should do is turn off the power to the appliance. If it's a gas water heater, turn off the gas valve as well.

Tip 2: The next thing is to stop the water flow by turning off the main water supply to your home. 

Tip 3: The third tip is to call a professional water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of North Fulton. You want to hire a team with adequate training, experience, and equipment to quickly and efficiently restore your home to its pre-water damage condition.

Tip 4: The fourth tip is to contact your insurance company and file a claim. Most homeowners' insurance policies cover water damage caused by a water heater burst.

Tip 5: The fifth tip is to remove any wet items from the area and begin the drying process. Your restoration contractor will perform the removal of wet items and use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the damaged property.

Final thoughts

We hope you found this post helpful. Water heater bursts are a nightmare for any homeowner, but following these tips can help minimize the damage and quickly get your home back to normal.

No matter the amount of water damage caused by a water heater burst, SERVPRO of North Fulton has the training and experience to restore your home quickly.

Our technicians are IICRC-certified and have extensive knowledge of the restoration process. We also use the latest equipment and techniques to get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

If you need assistance with a water damage restoration project, don't hesitate to contact us. We're always here to help!