What to Do If Your Water Heater Breaks

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in Union, KY.

What Should You Do If Your Water Heater Fails?

What would you do if you suddenly discovered water flooding the area near your water heater? Unlike floods caused by weather, homeowners rarely receive a warning about a leaking water heater. Before it happens to you, have a plan of action for a failed water heater. The necessary steps should be:

1. Stop the water
   
2. Get safe
   
3. Call the professionals
   
   

Make sure you have a detailed plan and that all the adults in your home know what to do if they happen upon a broken water heater. Here is what you should know about each step.

1. Stop the Water

Before you can do much else, you must stop the water from flowing. If you can safely reach the water heater, turn off the water supply at the device itself. However, getting near a leaking water heater can be dangerous. In many cases, it is better to turn off the water to the entire house.

2. Get Safe

Once the water has stopped flowing, you need to take a few other safety precautions. Be sure to keep animals and children away from the water because it could still be hot. You should also cut electricity to the area of the home that has the failed water heater. For gas water heaters, you may find a dial with which to do this near the water heater’s thermostat. For electric heaters, you can just trip the breaker.

3. Call the Professionals

A broken water heater can be a dangerous thing to tackle on your own. Even attempting to clean the water damage without professional help can lead to significant problems down the line. It’s better to call a professional restoration crew in Union, KY, as soon as possible.

It’s important not to delay making this call. If you allow the water to sit for too long, it can create too much moisture in the air and lead to mold. If you find a leaking water heater in your home, follow these steps.