Flood Prevention: What Causes a Water Heater to Flood and How Can it be Prevented
Water heaters dramatically improve our quality of life.
Imagine waking up every morning and having to take a cold shower, or boiling water to wash dishes! Once water are installed, many Vernon homeowners don’t think about them again until something goes wrong. Just like other appliances, water heaters can fail with catastrophic results.
Several things can cause a water heater to fail in big and small ways. Typically caused by a faulty thermostat, an exploding water heater can flood an entire hours within minutes. Sediment build up in the bottom of the tank allows rust to build up and left unchecked the tank bottom may completely corrode away. Older tanks, especially ones that lack maintenance, develop rust and corrosion both inside and outside the tank.
Leaks are also common hot water heater problems.
A small leak, most likely caused by loose drain valves, or too much pressure can flood a house if left unchecked. When building or remodeling your home, check to see what size water heater you require. The recommended size depends on the number of people living in your home. A water heater that is too small will have to work harder to heat water for you home. As a result, it will wear out more quickly.
The best way to prevent flooding from your water heater is to perform regular check-ups and maintenance.
You should frequently check the appliance yourself for moisture around plumbing connections. Pay attention to any standing water on or under the water heater. Check nearby walls for moisture. Water quickly soaks into walls and insulation, and can destroy an entire room before it is noticed. Most damage from these appliances comes from undetected leaks. If your water heater is positioned in an out of sight area, such as a basement or attic, create a reminder to check it monthly.
In addition to monthly checks, you should contact a professional to check your water heater every so often.
A professional will flush sediment from your tank, and check the thermostat, the anode, and valve gaskets. He or she may also replace the anode, a device located in the tank to prevent rust buildup on the inside.
Water heaters are a necessity for the convenience we expect in our Vernon homes. However, they should not be forgotten and left alone for years without proper maintenance. Doing so, invites a host of problems including, leaks, mold, and possible explosion.
If you need a water heater repaired or replaced in your Vernon home, call the experts of Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342!
