Why a Hot Water Heater Leak is Serious: The Damage it Can Cause

Leaky hot water heaters are more than an inconvenience and an expensive problem—they can also be extremely dangerous when left unaddressed. Here's how to safely handle a hot water heater leak, and how to minimize water damage afterward.

Safety Risks

There are many reasons why a leaking hot water heater can be dangerous and destructive, including flooding and water damage, gas leaks, electrocution risks, and while extremely rare, a malfunctioning water heater can even explode. 

What To Do If Your Water Heater Is Leaking

If you determine that your water heater is leaking, stay calm and follow these steps:

• For electric water heaters: turn off the power using the breaker
• For gas water heaters: turn off the power using the gas control valve
• Shut off the water supply to the tank
• Call a trusted plumber to find the root of the issue and fix the problem

Water Damage Caused By Hot Water Heaters

Once the immediate danger of a leaking water heater is out of the way, it is more than likely there will be massive amounts of water damage left behind. Do your best to address the water damage as soon as possible, it will only worsen with time – and so will the cost to fix it!

Mold

Where water is left unchecked, mold will surely follow. Not only is mold a health hazard, causing illness, brain fog, respiratory infection, allergic reactions, and more – but it can also cause damage to your walls, flooring, or the structural support of your home. If you spot mold, act fast. It can grow and spread at a tremendous rate. ​

Structural Damage

Warped floors, rotten carpets, and damaged drywalls are all at stake when the steady leak of a water heater went unnoticed for a significant amount of time. Worse, water can easily seep into areas that aren’t visible to us, ruining electrical systems and increasing the risk of fires. ​

Hire Professional Water Damage Restoration Specialists

When you have water damage in your home, it’s important to choose a company that will not only remove excess water and sanitize and deodorize the affected areas, but also help you repair and rebuild. We use moisture detection equipment to assess the extent of damage and determine what items can be salvaged and what needs to be replaced to avoid future health issues from mold or structure collapse.
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CleanBright is a family-owned business right here in the Capital Region. A great alternative to the big guys, we offer the same equipment, technology, and experience as our competitors, but with more personal care. We know this process can be emotional and we’re ready to help you get your home back to normal. We're available 24/7 at (518) 608-6242 or you can contact us via our online form.