Common Causes of Water Heater Ruptures and How to Recover from the Resulting Water Damage

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: The team at SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian is trained and equipped to remediate water damage caused by a burst water heater.

Water damage from a burst water heater is a property damage disaster that must be remediated promptly so that life in the home can return to normal. Water heaters are essential for many everyday activities, including washing the dishes, taking hot showers, and washing a load of clothes. When a water heater bursts, the area is filled with water, and the residents of the home are filled with worry and stress.

A leading insurance news and data resource reports, “Water heaters have an average lifespan of 10–20 years, but that can be significantly reduced without proper routine maintenance—substantially increasing the risk of failure. According to an IBHS study, 69% of all water heater failures result from a slow leak or a sudden burst. A residential water heater holds 20 to 80 gallons of water, which can cause significant water damage to the property upon failure. On average, residential water heaters cost only $1,500 to replace, but a leaking or burst water heater typically tacks on over $3,000 in additional property damage, not including any additional living expenses that may be incurred.”

What causes a water heater to burst and cause water damage?

• Rust or corrosion inside the unit

Wear inside the water heater is the most common cause of water heater leakage. Regular maintenance, such as replacing the anode rod, flushing the tank, or installing a water softener, can help lengthen the lifespan of the appliance. Also, inspect periodically for rust. If issues are spotted in the early stages, the homeowner can act quickly to prevent a leak from turning into a rupture.

• Elevated pressure levels

Two main strategies are used to ensure that pressure levels inside a water heater remain at safe levels. Water heater expansion tanks regulate thermal expansion, allowing surplus water to be evacuated and the pressure to be lowered. Also, relief valves are used to release pressure, as well as lower the temperature in the unit. If the expansion tank or the relief valve fails or if the homeowner has not obtained an expansion tank, the elevated pressure could cause the water heater to burst.

• Highly pressurized water from the water supply

Regulators decrease water pressure so that water can be safely used in the home. However, a regulator could accidentally be set at a level that allows water into the water heater at a higher pressure than the safe range, between 40 PSI and 60 PSI. When this occurs, the tank is in danger of leakage and, potentially, rupture. In addition, regulator failure can cause a water damage disaster.

Who to call after water damage from a burst water heater

The first call the homeowner makes should be to a plumber who can provide emergency services. The second call should be to a full-service damage restoration company that can respond quickly and rapidly remediate the damage caused by the flooding.

For over two decades, SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian has been serving the property damage and cleaning needs of the local community. Technicians are trained through the HeroReady Training Program, which teaches the latest damage restoration techniques and safety standards. In addition, the company is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification.

SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian responds to property damage disasters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Should the scope of the damage require it, the team can call upon the resources of a nationwide system of qualified and certified SERVPRO franchises.

One client recounts his experience with receiving water damage restoration services after the water heater burst in his home. According to his online review, “Cody and his crew were amazing! They came to our home in the middle of the night when our water heater burst. They immediately contained the issue, extracted the water, and set up fans to begin the drying process. They checked with me daily to ensure things were drying as expected and kept me informed throughout the process. I cannot recommend SERVPRO enough. Thanks to their quick response and thorough work, they’ve earned a customer for life.”

For more details about water damage restoration in Red Oak, TX, email the SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian office at acarey@SERVPRO10932.com. The team of damage remediation and cleaning professionals can also be contacted by phone at (972) 935-0827.