How To Clean Up After a Water Heater Leak

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

A leaking water heater is an urgent matter and needs to be dealt with immediately

Actions To Mitigate Damage From a Leaking Water Heater

A leaking water heater is an urgent matter and needs to be dealt with immediately. The greater the water heater capacity, the greater the potential for significant damage. Homeowners in La Marque, TX, should follow these steps to keep water damage from a failed water heater to a minimum:

• Close the cold water inlet valve on the water heater to stop the incoming flow of water.
  
• Clear flooded floor surfaces of loose, valuable, or potentially hazardous items.
  
• Remove standing water with towels, mops, squeegees or wet/dry vacuums.
  
• Wipe down any damp elevated surfaces.
  
  

Cleaning Up After a Broken Water Heater
Keep in mind that water will travel to the lowest point it can reach. Be sure to check for pooled water under and behind appliances, beneath boxes and furniture, and in corners.
You may also want to drain your water heater by attaching a garden hose to the drain spigot at the bottom of the water heater tank to channel any remaining water out and away from your home.
To the extent possible, minimize the severity of water damage before your leaking water heater completely fails. If the water heater is located in the garage, keep off of the floor any items that may not be able to withstand flooding, such as cardboard boxes, power tools, keepsakes, seasonal decorations, etc. Inside your home, take similar precautions with articles of value, sensitive electronic equipment, food containers, clothing and important documents.

Getting Professional Help
Water heater failures often happen immediately and with dramatic effect. Depending on the severity of the problem, it may be necessary to call a reputable water damage and restoration company to restore your property to the condition it was in before the flood occurred.
Actions to mitigate damage from a leaking water heater should be taken before and must be taken after a flood occurs. Following these steps can help you keep the impact of a broken water heater to a minimum.