Water Damage From Water Heater Leaks

It is usually pretty obvious that the water heater has started to leak, although this will only be the case if your water heater is in a spot that you see on a regular basis. If the water heater is under the house in a basement that is rarely visited, then the water that has started to pool on the floor under the heater will remain unnoticed until other factors come into play.

Unfortunately, these factors may include a higher than expected water bill, a higher than expected electricity bill or an unexpected cold shower when the hot water runs out. There may be other indicators that the water heater has started to leak such as a constant damp feeling in the air or the growth of mold.

The leak in the water heater may have come about due to corrosion, in which case it will be necessary to replace the water heater, or it could be because of a failure in the water lines. If it is the latter problem, then it may be possible that you can repair the leak yourself. If you are going to avoid any further water damage the water heater is going to have to be repaired one way or the other.

As a means of avoiding significant water damage from a failed water heater that may begin leaking, you can place a drip pan underneath the unit. This is a preventative measure that is not expected to provide a long term solution should the water heater actually start to leak. The drip pan would merely prevent or minimize water damage to the floor until the proper repair work can be carried out. Make sure the drip pan has a drain that can be connected to a waste line so that it can channel the water out of the building.

A water heater leak can cause all sorts of water damage to the home, but even though the thought of possible mold, mildew or subfloor damage may sound like it’s a nightmare there is even greater damage that can be caused. An improperly installed water heater can result in toxic fumes being emitted or can be the cause of a house fire.

One of the simple steps you can take from time to time is to empty a bucket of water from the water heater though the release valve. This will help to rid the water heater of sediment build up which can contribute to corrosion of the unit.

Another step you can take that will also help to prevent major water damage in the house is to install an automatic shut of valve (ASOV), also known as a water leak detection system, to the water heater. The ASOV uses a water sensor that is linked to a water-controlling valve that is mounted on the heater’s cold water supply. When a leak is detected the ASOV stops the flow of water into the heater preventing the slow leak that can become a major water damage problem.

Water is one of the most damaging elements to property, responsible for more damage to properties each year than fire. The best way to avoid adding your property to the list due to a failed water heater is to take preventative measures. Assuming that there will be a water heater leak one day will prepare for a quick clean up job when it happens.

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