How Water Heaters Cause Water Damage

Appliances have a limited lifespan and can eventually result in water damage, especially water heaters. It is crucial to be able to identify potential issues and know the right actions to take in case of an emergency.

Water Damage

The typical water heater has a lifespan of 10 years on average. Many water heaters degrade over time and what frequently happens is that the connections where the water comes in and goes out are easy to miss. This means the leak can do large amounts of damage over time. The moisture can saturate the drywall and wick away to a much larger area creating an ideal environment for mold growth.

Mold typically develops in warm wet spaces and the longer the problem goes unnoticed, the larger the damage can be. In some buildings, the water heater is not even visible and is tucked in a rarely trafficked area or may be surrounded by boxes and storage.

Damage Spreading

If your water heater shares a wall with any cabinets, they could be soaking up the leaking water and be on the way to ruin. Entire walls can end up being ruined by a small slow leak.

On the other end of the damage spectrum is a water heater failure due to a tank rupture. Picture dropping a gallon of milk and watched it spill across the floor, just expand it to 40 or 50 gallons and imagine the damage. One water heater housed in the middle of the building can flood an entire building with an inch or two of water. When it comes to water heaters and water damage, this is your worst-case scenario.

Preventing Damage

The primary thing you can do to avoid problems is to inspect your water heater regularly. Be sure to check for moisture around the connections and look for any pooling water or mold. If you find any signs of trouble, you are going to need to have your water heater repaired or replaced. You are also going to need to have any damaged areas repaired and have mold mitigated. Call a service such as CRC for help.

If you are renovating, you may consider moving your water heater to an area where there is less possibility of damage, such as a garage. Also, consider installing a metal stand for water heaters. These stands have water trays that help alert you to a leak before it gets far.

Worst Case Scenario

If your water heater suddenly bursts, contact a water damage and restoration expert. They can remove large amounts of water quickly and help you get your building back to normal. They can also help with mold mitigation and make recommendations on needed repairs and recommend additional contractors to use if needed.

If you have problems with water heaters and water damage, contact us here at CRC. We are water damage restoration experts and even provide mold removal and remediation if you need it. Call us 24/7 for professional, emergency response.