Busted Water Heater? Here’s What to Do Right Now

Whether it’s in the basement or utility room, a burst water heater can quickly cause property damage.

For the past 15 years we have been restoring homes and businesses in the Chicago area.

In this blog, we outline exactly what you need to do to fix the damage.

Safety Considerations

If your water heater is leaking or has exploded, take these steps to keep yourself safe as you work in the affected area:

• Watch out for steam. Some water heaters blow out steam that can cause even more structural damage to the home. Be aware that this steam is hot and can easily burn you if you get too close.
• Don’t touch the water heater. If the water heater is steaming, hissing, or hot to the touch, stay away from it and do not touch any part of the unit.
• Be mindful of electrical hazards. If your burst water heater caused flooding, do not enter the area if there are electrical appliances (like space heaters) in or near the water.

What to Do When Your Water Heater Bursts

1. Turn off the Power Supply to Your Tank

If you have a gas-powered water heater, shut off the gas line to the tank by slowly and firmly turning the temperature dial located on top of its thermostat.

For gas-powered water heaters, you’ll also need to shut off the gas line that leads into the tank.

If you have an electric model, throw the switch at the circuit breaker.

2. Turn off the Cold Water Supply to Your Tank

Turn off the tank’s main water line at the top of the water heater by rotating its valve clockwise. If your water heater has a lever-style shutoff valve, turn it 90 degrees from the open position.

If you can’t reach or locate the water line, turn off the main water supply valve outside your home.

3. Call a Plumber

Once you’ve stopped the flow of water, contact an emergency plumber to fix the issue that’s causing the leak. This is a critical step to minimize damage and secure the scene before restoration can begin.

4. Contact a Water Damage Restoration Professional

Next, contact a water damage restoration team in your area.

A comprehensive restoration team will remove drywall, flooring, and other materials damaged by your water heater, dry the space out, sanitize and clean it, remove all traces of mold and mildew, and restore your basement, utility room, or crawl space to like-new condition.

In addition to being the most efficient way to tackle water damage cleanup, hiring a restoration company is also the only way to ensure you won’t face water heater-related mold, mildew, or moisture intrusion problems down the road.

If you’re in the Chicago area, call ServiceMaster by Zaba for immediate help: (773) 647-1985

5. Photograph the Scene

Take photographs of the scene and the damage, including the entire leak, damage to your home or furniture or other items, and anything else that you think will help you with your homeowners insurance claim.

Your policy probably won’t replace the appliance, but it should cover water damage restoration costs.

6. Call Your Insurance Company

Finally, contact your insurance company to begin a claim.

Your insurance provider will walk you through the steps of the claim process and help you understand what information you need to submit to get your claim moving.

Where Do You Start with Cleanup?

To begin cleaning up, move as many damp items as possible out of the affected area. You might be able to mop up most of the water, but a wet vac gets the job done much more quickly.

Use heavy fans and a dehumidifier to dry floors and walls and pay special attention to damp baseboards and drywall that can turn into breeding grounds for mold and mildew.

Usually, you won’t be able to remediate these yourself. Instead, call a professional restoration contractor like ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba who speeds up the process with applied structural drying techniques.

What Are The Signs of a Busted Heater?

When the water heater ruptures and floods your home, you know you’re in trouble. More often, the unit develops signs of trouble that aren’t as dramatic.

These are some of the most common signs that your water heater is about to become a serious homeowner’s headache.

1. Leaking

Leaking pipe connections and water pooling under the tank are sure indicators of water heater failure. Leaking is relatively common in tanks that are 6 or more years old.

2. Corrosion

If you find that you’re having to adjust your tank to higher temperatures manually, corrosion may be an issue. When it affects the valves, it becomes impossible for the hot water tank to produce hot water automatically.

3. Funky Water

Rusty water coming from hot water taps is often caused by aging pipes in the unit. At the same time, water that is too hot or not hot enough indicates a malfunctioning thermostat or other part.

4. Odd Noises

Rumbling, banging or popping sounds are usually signs of sediment buildup in the tank. Have these noises checked immediately to prevent further damage to the tank.

5. Deterioration

Deterioration happens when sediment sits on the bottom of the tank for too long, eventually causing the tank to rust and wear down, causing leaking, corrosion, and a broken water heater.

How Do You Prevent Water Heater Problems?

Regular inspection and maintenance are your best tools for preventing water heater problems. Keep the trusty appliance in good shape with a spring and fall checkup that includes these simple chores.

• Check and tighten loose fittings. 
• Use a flashlight to detect leaks under the tank. 
• Look closely at the floor and adjacent walls for signs of dampness. 
• Have a plumber inspect, drain and refill the unit at least once a year.

Dealing With a Busted Hot Water Heater in Chicago? We Can Help!

A professional can tackle the root cause of your broken water heater and clean up water damage.

We recommend printing out this broken water heater guide just in case. Keep it handy, and know that you can always call us too. We pump out flooded basements, dry out soaked utility rooms and take care of mold problems. Our technicians are water damage restoration specialists who also handle minor plumbing emergencies.

If you’re dealing with a busted water heater damage to your home or business in Chicago, call ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba: 773-647-1985

FAQs

1. Is a leaking water heater dangerous?

The quick answer is yes.

A leaking water heater is very dangerous, and can cause severe injury or even death if not addressed quickly. A leaking water heater is usually a sign of a significant problem.

For example, water may be leaking because the internal pressure of the tank is too high, which could mean an explosion is imminent. If you notice a leaking water heater, call an emergency plumber right away.

2. What are the signs of an exploding water heater?

An exploding water heater tank is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. So how do you know if your tank is in danger of an explosion, and what should you do if you expect an explosion to be imminent?

Here are a few signs to watch out for:

• Your water heater is more than 10 years old.
• Your water heater makes banging, clanking, or rumbling noises as it heats, indicating that sediment has built up inside the tank.
• There is visible rust on the exterior portion of the water heater.
• There is rusty water coming out of the water heater, indicating that there may be rust or corrosion on the inside.
• The water heater is leaking, which indicates a crack in the tank or a malfunctioning temperature and pressure relief valve.

3. Why did my hot water heater burst?

Standard gas and electric water heaters start to show their age after eight to 12 years. And, when they do, they can cause costly and inconvenient breakdowns. With that in mind, here are a few of the most common reasons hot water heaters rupture:

• Sediment buildup. Over time, minerals from hard water build up and settle in the bottom of your water heater’s tank. This sediment creates an insulative layer that separates the water from your tank’s heating element, forcing the entire system to work harder. If you notice a knocking or popping sound when your water heater works, it may mean you have a sediment problem. To prevent this issue, you’ll need to drain and flush your tank annually.
• Corrosion. Most modern water heater tanks are made from steel. While steel is a durable material, it is susceptible to rust. As a prevention method, most water heaters include a sacrificial anode rod that is designed to protect the rest of the system from rust. Still, these rods deteriorate over time, leaving the tank itself vulnerable to rust. If you notice that your tank has a brown tint on the outside, that’s a good indication that it’s suffering from rust on the inside.
• Too much pressure. Water heater tanks create an immense amount of pressure as they work. While modern tanks feature temperature and pressure relief valves, excessive pressure can still wear a tank down. And, when that happens, the tank could burst.
• Faulty controls. A system’s controls can malfunction and result in a busted water heater too. A bad thermostat can raise internal temperatures to dangerously high levels, for example, while a faulty pressure relief valve can even cause a water heater explosion.

4. What type of water heater do I have?

There are two main types of water heaters: gas and electric. To identify which type you have, look at the unit itself.

Gas water heaters usually have a ½” thick pipe at the bottom of the unit, which is used to carry gas to the unit. They also have exhaust vents that allow the exhaust fumes produced by the motor to escape the unit and vent outside.

Electric water heaters, on the other hand, have heavy-duty power cords running to the unit and no pilot flame inside the access panel.

Beyond gas and electric water heaters, there are also conventional and tankless water heaters. Conventional water heaters have a storage tank that holds hot water (and causes flooding if it explodes), while tankless water heaters heat water directly on an on-demand basis. Since tankless water heaters don’t store water, they can’t explode and cause flooding in the same way conventional water heaters can.

5. My neighbor’s water heater burst and flooded my condo. What should I do?

If your unit was damaged by a neighbor’s burst water heater, contact your condo HOA, your insurance company, and a restoration team like ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba. While most insurance policies cover unexpected or accidental water damage, you’ll need to consult your policy (and your condo’s HOA bylaws) to understand who is liable for the damage.