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Water Heater Flooded My Basement

Water Damage

A leaking roof is a serious problem, but do you know there’s another serious leak you can have in your home? It’s one that starts in your basement. That leak is a water heater leak. This type of leak is one that leads to a water heater flooded basement. If you neglect your water heater for long enough, chances are it will begin leaking, and when it does you’re in for trouble.

A hot water heater flooded basement usually means your water heater has a leak and needs to be checked out. From the moment you think your water heater is leaking you should get someone to fix it. If you don’t, you run the risk of your water heater exploding and that can cost you money or even harm you or your family.

f your water heater has flooded your basement and you want to know what you should do, then you’re in the right place. The last thing anyone wants is a water heater flood in their basement. It’s best to avoid these problems and risks from the beginning by taking the necessary preventative measures.

What To Do If Your Basement Is Flooded?

You may be tempted to try and fix this problem yourself, but you should avoid doing this, as it can be dangerous. It’s always best to have a professional take a look at your water heater for you. A professional is aware of the dangers associated with a flooded basement and knows what to do.

So, what exactly does a professional do, to get your basement and water heater back on track? Well, here’s a quick look:

  1. If the flood is caused by bad weather, then a professional technician will wait until weather conditions improve before tackling the problem. This ensures their safety and yours.
  1. Before going to your basement, a technician will cut off the power to the basement. This is to avoid being electrocuted and live wires interacting with a gas leak. The technician will then shut off your heater and all switches.
  1. A technician will check that there are no gas leaks or broken wires in your basement. If these hazards are present, a professional technician is expected to follow protocol and report it to city officials. The technician will also inspect the rest of your home to determine the extent of the damage done.
  1. Next, the technician will try to get rid of any additional moisture in the basement by opening your windows. Doing this also helps to remove any leaked gas within the basement.
  1. The technician will then check the heater for any other causes of flooding. Maybe a pipe got damaged during the severe weather or there’s a block somewhere in your system. A thorough inspection allows the technician to diagnose if the flood was caused by water heater flooding.
  1. Flooding causes water to get into sockets and affect the electrical wiring of your home. A technician is able to determine if another person such as an electrician is required to complete the job. According to the extent of the damage, one may be required. If there’s a gas leak, then he or she should alert the fire department.
  1. Now, once the technician has followed protocol and ensures the area is safe, clean up can now begin. You will then perform a thorough cleaning by getting all of the water out of your basement.

Although these steps are simple, you should always seek the help of a professional. Dirty water in your basement makes it hard for you to find the problem, which then delays the cleanup process. A professional technician knows what to look for and what steps are needed to solve the problem.

Now is also a good time to get into contact with your insurance provider. You’ll want to find out if you’re covered when you have a hot water heater flood.  A good insurance company will help you to get into contact with the right professionals to fix your water heater. Insurance is important so you should find out if you’re covered as soon as possible.

How To Know If Your Water Heater Is Failing?

Knowing when your water heater is beginning to fail is important. Major problems such as your water heater exploding can be avoided by knowing what to look for. You don’t want your water heater to explode and hurt anyone in your family. A water heater explosion can also lead to fires in your home. Knowing what to look out for helps you to identify problems faster.

Regular maintenance of your water heater is how you avoid a water heater explosion. Taking proactive action by getting your water heater serviced regularly, should be enough to avoid an explosion. Now don’t think that your water heater is going to explode, it’s just a good idea to take care of your water heater from early. Knowing the early signs of a failing water heater lowers the risk of damaging your water heater.

Most heaters come equipped with mechanisms in place to prevent an explosion. They also come with the unique ability to alert you in advance of any failures happening within the machine.

So, here are the signs you should be looking out for with your water heater:

  • Incorrect installation – unless you’re a professional you should not attempt to install your water heater by yourself. It’s always best to have a professional install it for you. Incorrect installation leads to many problems. Parts of the water heater can be destroyed and improper readings can be the result of faulty installation. If you feel there’s a problem with your installation, you can have an HVAC system professional to take a look at it for you.
  • Rust – is there any visible rust on your heater? If there is, then you should get a technician to check it out. It may not be a problem now, but rust often leads to a faulty water heater. Take note of any rusted areas and have them fixed because they can cause an explosion.
  • An overwhelming gas smell – if you’re smelling an abundance of gas, then there’s a high chance there’s a gas leak. Smelling gas isn’t something you want to take lightly. If you’re having a hard time breathing, then there might be dangerous levels of gas in the room. It gets even more dangerous when your water heater is in a place near flammable objects.
  • Funny Noises – as with any machine, there will be sound as it operates, but if you start hearing weird sounds you may have a problem. If you start hearing popping or rumbling sounds, then your heater is not working the way it should. Calling a technician as soon as possible is a good idea at this point.
  • Heater Is Leaking – it’s easy to see your heater leaking and think it’s not that big of an issue. It’s for this very reason many people don’t bother with the problem until they meet a hot water heater flooded basement. A leak may start out small in the beginning but then lead to more problems in the future. From the moment you spot a leak, don’t hesitate to call a professional. It just might save your heater from exploding.
  • Temperature and Pressure valve problems – pressure not regulated correctly inside a water heater can cause it to explode. A temperature and pressure relief valve can be found on most heaters to help regulate internal pressure. Maintenance of these valves is important to the overall health of your machine.
  • Dirty water from faucets – a good gauge of the health of your water heater is the type of water coming from your faucets. Is the water clean or dirty? Does it have rust particles in it? Maybe the water has a metallic smell. Any of these signs are indicators of your water heater failing. If you start seeing dirty water, get a technician to inspect your water heater.

Most people are worried about the cost and never get a professional to look at their water heater. It’s important that you call a professional the moment you spot a problem with your water heater. Having these problems solved early saves you money. Although it might cost you in the beginning it will save you money in the long run. Taking proactive action is always the best solution.


What Causes An Overflow To Happen?

Leaks

There are many reasons your water heater may overflow and a leak can be one of them. Over time a lack of maintenance can cause your water heater to begin leaking. The problem gets worse if your machine is leaking because of corrosion. Maybe there might be a problem with a seal. Any of these can be the reason your water heater is overflowing.

The leading cause of water heater flooding is not immediately having a leak taken care of. Over time this leak keeps leaking water and soon enough your basement is flooded. Although the leak may seem like a non-issue, it does become one over time. It’s unwise to look over a leak because it’s not heavy. So from the moment, you spot one the best solution is to have a professional fix it as soon as possible.  

Thermostat Malfunctioning

A thermostat is a very important part of your water heater. It gives your water heater the ability to heat your water to the right temperature. Your water heater heats water to the set temperature and stops heating once it reaches that temperature. If the thermostat isn’t working, then it won’t know when it should stop heating the water. This can result in a dangerous build-up of pressure. If this pressure continues to build your water heater can explode.

Shutting off the water to a damaged water heater is important. This can help to avoid excess flooding. If there’s a hole in your water heater, then water will flow freely through that hole. A strong flow of water will lead to flooding quickly. So, it’s recommended to shut off the water supply to the machine one you notice a leak. Left for too long and this water can cause damage to other parts of your home.

A busted water heater is always better than one that explodes. A busted water heater can be repaired, whereas one that exploded has to be replaced. Replacing an exploded water heater may be costly. You’ll have to pay for the unit and then pay for it to be installed in your home.

Now a flooded basement seems to be the worst problem you can have with an overflowing water heater, but it’s not. Here are some other possible dangers of a malfunctioning water heater:

  • Electrocution – water and electricity are never a good combination. This is why it’s never recommended to enter the water in your flooded basement, especially if your water heater is running. A flood near electrical wires is very dangerous to have. If you don’t take the necessary precautions before entering the water you can be electrocuted. The best way to have this problem fixed, is by shutting off the power to your basement and letting a professional take it from there.
  • Burns – the water in a water heater is hot and could be dangerous. When a water heater explodes, anyone near to it can be injured. Being close to an exploding water heater can be very dangerous and can even lead to death.
  • Mold and Mildew –  an overflow can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Also, your dark basement is the ideal location for the build-up of mold and mildew. This can be a problem for people in your home who have allergies. It also affects the air quality in your home. Overtime mold and mildew build-up can lead to brain problems.
  • Home damage – an overflow can damage things in your home. Things such as floors, walls, and other appliances can be damaged. An overflow can also compromise the electrical wiring in your home. It can also lead to structural damages and cost your even more money. Fires can also happen because of an overflow.
  • Fires – because an overflow can lead to flooding, the electrical circuitry of your home can get water in it. This can lead to sparking in your electrical circuitry. A simple spark can then cause a fire to break out in your home. Now you see a gas leak is not the only thing to be worried about.
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – of all the things on this list, this one is the most dangerous. It’s because it’s the only danger that’s not so easily detected. The only way to determine if you have this problem in your home is to have a detector installed. There isn’t and odor or color so you don’t even know when it’s happening. If this isn’t detected quickly enough it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

You should not take the dangers of an overflow lightly as they can lead to serious injuries. Regular maintenance water heater system is highly recommended to avoid most of these dangers. At the first sign of a leak, it’s wise to have an HVAC system professional evaluate the condition of your water heater.

The Importance Of Maintaining Your Water Heater

Keeping your water heater working properly comes down to maintenance. Your water heater works all day and at some point, it’s going to need servicing. For most, once the water heater is installed, they never look back. Yes, a water heater might not be a high maintenance appliance, but it’s still necessary to have a professional look at it regularly.

Proper care of your water heater can keep it working for a long time. Although most heaters are built for a 10-year span they can last up to 20 years with proper care. That’s way beyond their expected lifespan. The most money you’ll spend in the beginning is to keep your water heater maintained.

Regular maintenance not only avoids a hot water heater flooded basement, but it also improves the performance of your water heater. An efficient working water heater can cut the cost of your electric bill each month. It also helps you to spend less money on repairs and allows you to enjoy hot showers for a long time.

Another important thing to consider is how clean the area is where your water heater is located. Also keeping the outside of the heater clean is important as it helps to stop part of the water heater from corroding.

Now there are simple things you can do to keep your water heater in tip-top working condition, but there are more important things which should be done by a professional.

Here’s what’s involved in the maintenance of a water heater:

  • Consistent checkups on the anode rod and replacement if it’s corroded
  • Softening hard water if your water supply consists of hard water
  • Performing regular flushes of the water heater
  • Ensuring that there are heat traps or insulation on the water heater
  • An expansion tank may be needed to regulate the pressure on the water heater
  • Programming the thermostat to the right levels, which is 120 ˚F and the pressure setting to around 60 psi
  • Having a technician perform checks on your water heater if you see any leaks or damage you may have missed
  • Always fix any water damage you notice quickly
  • Replace broken parts of your water heater immediately
  • Place the water heater in an area where there’s good ventilation

These are a few of the steps you can take to keep your water heater working efficiently. It’s always recommended to get a professional to look at your water heater if you suspect a problem. The reason is, most professionals can spot problems you may not be aware of. From experience, they know the best way to keep your water heater working efficiently. A professional can help you avoid a flooded water heater.

When To Replace Your Water Heater

A well-maintained water heater can work for a long time, but there comes a time when you’ll need to replace it. If water heater flooding becomes a regular problem, then it may be a sign that you need to get a new one. For most people cost is a hindrance to getting a new water heater. You don’t want to rush when getting a new water heater. You want to take your time and find the right one for your home.

It’s always a good idea to keep saving money in the event you need to get your water heater replaced. A savings puts you in a position to get the best quality water heater. Also, you may need an HVAC system professional to help with the installation, and having savings helps to ease your mind.

It might seem like the only time to replace your water heater is when it stops working, but this is not true. There are other reasons you may need to get a new one. Some of these reasons include:

  • Dirty hot water coming from your faucet
  • Your water heater is old meaning older than 10 years or older
  • Costs you more money in repairs than if you were to just get a new one
  • Your water just doesn’t get hot anymore, no matter what you try
  • Unusual noises being produced by your water heater
  • The water heater may be too small for your home needs
  • Too many leaks
  • Electric bills higher than normal, whereas newer models help to save on your light bill

These are just a few of the reasons you might want to get a newer model water heater. If you are having to call someone to look at your water heater often, then it’s probably time to get a new one. Getting a newer heater will cost you in the short term, but a bad heater will cost you more in the long term. If you are suffering from a water heater flooded basement regularly, it might be an indicator that it’s time to get a new one.  

How To Get A Free Quotation From A Restoration Company

Before the internet one would have to search high and low through magazines and ads to find a professional for this problem. You would have to drive to different companies to find out which of them could help you with your problem. These days there is the internet which can save you some time. With just a few clicks, you can browse thousands of directories and find companies near you.

Using the internet to get the information you need is an easy process. Finding qualified professionals can be done relatively easily and quickly. There are forums you can check to find reviews about a particular company you have in mind. You can shop around and get rates and quotes from different companies faster than ever before. Many companies have websites online to tell you all you need to know about them before working with them.

In fact, many companies will offer you a free quote if you call them up. Just call the company and tell them about the problem you’re having. From there, they will be able to give you a rough figure of how much it is going to cost you to get your problem fixed.

It might cost you some to fix a hot water heater flooded basement problem, but it’s worth it. The water heater and the installation is what’s going to cost you the most. Your cost may vary if the company has to do the cleanup, structure check, and sanitation of your basement. You’ll want to invest in having this done properly from the beginning as it will save you lots of headaches in the future.

Again the power of the internet allows you to compare the rates of different companies in your area easily. If you can, always try to negotiate a better rate for yourself in the process. The trick to getting the best rate is to let the company you’re currently speaking with, know you have other companies you’re considering. Knowing you have another company in mind makes them consider giving you a better rate.

Be careful though because it’s not just about choosing the cheapest offer. The cheapest offer may not be the quality you’re looking for. Take your time and consider what comes with each package the company provides. If the particular HVAC system company offers services such as replacement of damaged parts for a flat fee then go with that option. Again, don’t rush this part of the process.

Keeping your water heater working efficiently is how you avoid having a flooded water heater. By now you should have a good understanding of how to avoid water heater flooding in your basement. If you need more help with the restoration of your water heater and basement, then feel free to reach out for more information. Remember, if you have any water heater problems you want to get them fixed as soon as possible.

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