Often a forgotten powerhouse in the home, your water heater provides the luxury of hot water at the turn of the faucet handle. With regular care and maintenance, it can serve your family well for several years. A leaky water heater may seem like a simple issue but can cause much more damage to your home and your belongings than you thought possible.
Possible Damage by a Leaking Water Heater
Water heaters are often in closets, out in the garage, or some other hidden area. It can be days, weeks, or months before you notice a leak. By that time, the damage can be extensive, including:
- Property Damage: Water collecting on the floor can spread and saturate drywall, cross-beams, and seep into the foundation weakening walls, floors, and even the foundation itself. Additionally, dangerous mold can begin to grow.
- Damage to Heating Element: There is a possibility that the leak is because of a damaged or broken gasket. This can quickly burn up the heating element and cause further problems with your water heater.
- Water Contamination: Sometimes water pipes are rusted or corroded. This can quickly leak into your household water supply, distributing rust, bacteria, and other chemicals throughout your faucets.
If you discover that your water heater is leaking, it is imperative to turn the appliance off either at the breaker or at the gas valve. Then close the water valve. Finally, you will want to call in trained and skilled experts in leak inspection to ascertain the origin of the problem and make the needed repairs.
Talk to us at National Restoration Experts to have the leaky water heater fixed and mold removed from your Florida home. Contact us now or call us at 800-556-3472.