What To Do When A Water Heater Bursts

Unfortunately, nothing in your Bloomington house lasts forever, including the only appliance that delivers your hot water. But sadly, it is not always the unit wearing out and failing to produce hot water that alerts you to trouble. In some cases, the water heater will burst or begin to leak where rust and corrosion have destroyed the holding tank. So you will discover the problem when you see or step in the puddle of hot water on the floor near your water heater. And it is crucial that you know what to do to minimize the potential for water damage to your home and severe electrical shock hazards.

Turn OFF The Water Heater

Many people will panic when they see water leaking onto the floor and think shutting off the water is their priority. However, it is vital that you turn off the water heater first. There is a greater safety risk if the unit is an electric model. So go to the electrical panel in your house and shut off the breaker labeled for the water heater. For a gas water heater, carefully locate the thermostat and turn it to the off position.

Now Turn Off The Water

Once the water heater is turned off, it is safe to shut off the cold water supply line. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water flowing into the holding tank. If the valve does not close, turn off any isolation valve in that part of the house or the main water supply to the house if you have no isolation valves. Now, take a few moments to make sure you move everything away from the water heater that the leaking water could damage.

Call The Pros At 612-340-1444

With the power and water to the water heater turned off, it is time to call the licensed plumbers at Paul Bunyan Plumbing And Drain for a price quote on a water heater replacement. Keep in mind that this is the perfect time to upgrade to a larger water heater or opt for a smaller one if you no longer need as much hot water as you did in the past. The pros at Paul Bunyan can also explain your options to switch to a tankless water heater if you are looking for an unlimited supply of hot water and lower operating costs.

Time For Cleanup

While you are waiting for the licensed pro from Paul Bunyan Plumbing And Drains to arrive, contact your insurance company to determine if your homeowner's policy will cover any of the burst water heater repair costs or any water damage expenses. It can be helpful to take pictures of the damage to the water heater and any water puddles or water damage before you begin the cleanup. These images could be beneficial in getting reimbursed for any water damage repairs to your Duluth home caused by the burst water heater. While towels and mops can be helpful, the ideal way to remove the floodwater quickly is a wet/dry vacuum while you await the arrival of your Paul Bunyan Plumbing And Drain pro.