The common water heater is one of the most common sources of water intrusion, especially in older homes. Older units are especially prone to leaking, due to deterioration and corrosion caused by the constant cycling of the unit for many years. Water intrusion in the home can cause many issues, regardless of the amount. Even a small amount of moisture can cause mold growth if ignored. If your water heater is leaking, it is important to act quickly. Here’s what you should do if your water heater is leaking:

Step One: Turn off the water supply and the power to the water heater.

The first step is to locate the cold-water supply that feeds water into the water heater tank. There will be a valve on this line, which must be shut to prevent water from continuing to flow into the tank. Some water heaters run on gas while others run on electricity. Regardless of which of the two your model uses, make sure you turn it off. If your unit uses gas, there will be another shut-off valve like the one on the water supply line. If you have an electric unit, you will need to go to your electrical panel, locate the breaker that connects to the water heater, and flip that breaker to disconnect the power to the unit.

Step Two: Call the Pros!

The second step is to make the necessary phone calls to professionals. You will usually need to call:

-         A plumber, to fix or replace the water heater.

-         A water damage restoration company (like us!) to extract any water and moisture and leave you with a dry home. A dry home is a happy home!

Step Three: Assessment.

Our team can assess the damage, so you know its extent. This can help you determine whether to file an insurance claim. Our team of pros have years of experience working with insurance companies, and if a claim is filed, they can help you with that process.

Step Four: Take photos!

After following the first three steps, the next step is to take plenty of photographs of the scene. If there’s one thing that makes insurance happy, it’s good documentation, so make sure you document the state of the water heater itself and all areas affected by the water intrusion.

Although a leaking water heater can prove to be a frustrating situation, experts like us at Faulkner Restoration are here to help you navigate the situation and get your home back to its proper condition.