The dangers of a water-damaged water heater and how to recover when a water heater floods the home

1/25/2023 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO® of Waxahachie/Midlothian recommends homeowners replace flood-damaged water heaters. The water removal services of a certified, experienced damage restoration company are indispensable for the cleanup and restoration process.

As a leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian helps homeowners understand how flooding can damage a water heater and how to secure the water removal and damage restoration services needed to recover from the disaster.

The water heater and flood damage

When a water heater is damaged in a flood, the homeowners will wonder if the appliance can be salvaged. If it cannot be salvaged, the water heater should be removed, discarded, and replaced with a new one. A wrong course of action in this situation could lead to serious consequences, including electrical shock, a fire, or another water damage disaster caused by the faulty water heater.

Experts from the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) recommend that a flood-damaged water heater be replaced, not repaired. A flooded home or basement exposes a water heater to partial or complete submersion in water, causing catastrophic failure of the water heater. In the event of a flood, homeowners must exercise caution. Safety, not salvaging the water heater, is the top priority. Any electrical device, no matter how large or small, should receive careful attention before being used. This attention includes inspection, drying, cleaning, repairs, and cautious testing by a licensed and experienced technician.

To prevent any personal injury, damage to the electrical system of the house, or potential fire, avoid using any appliances receiving any water damage. This principle applies to all water heaters: gas, electric, and oil.

The valves and controls on a gas unit are vulnerable to corrosion damage, and the thermostats and controls in an electric water heater will also suffer from corrosion. The metal skin of the water heater is not entirely waterproof. The insulation surrounding the tank will be water-logged with contaminated flood water and will prove challenging to dry out and nearly impossible to disinfect.

Installation of a new water heater

Entrust the inspection and replacement of flood-damage appliances such as the water heater to qualified professionals. The homeowner can save money long-term by replacing the old water heater with a new high-efficiency model.

Make sure the Temperature and Pressure (TPR) valve is replaced along with the water heater; if the TPR valve is exposed to flood water, the risk of malfunction increases. A failed TPR can have catastrophic consequences for a home and its occupants.

For gas-fired water heaters, ensure that the gas line has not been crimped, mashed, or cut during the flood. The line should be purged to remove moisture, water, or dirt. For best results and to ensure the safety of the home’s residents, have a licensed, bonded, and insured professional handle all aspects of the new installation, including purging or replacing the gas line.

How to deal with the flood damage in the rest of the home

When flooding from a flash flood, a burst pipe, or storm damage occurs, secure the services of a professional property damage cleanup and restoration company to handle the job. Rapid response and quick cleanup can help return life to normal while reducing the risk of advanced secondary damage from prolonged exposure to water and moisture. Powerful pumps and wet/dry vacuums can rapidly remove any excess water from the home or basement. High-capacity dehumidifiers quickly and efficiently dry out the remaining moisture, which, if left unchecked, can cause a mold infestation.

SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian, a locally owned and operated company, has experienced, trained, and IICRC-certified technicians who utilize cutting-edge moisture-detecting technology and advanced cleaning techniques. The EPA-approved cleaning products are safe for pets and humans. The detailed and well-documented estimate provides vital information needed for the insurance claims process, which SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian can handle from beginning to end. Flood waters are often contaminated with toxic chemicals and pathogens from raw sewage. The SERVPRO technicians take every precaution to ensure their safety and the safety of the occupants of the home.

The best time to find a qualified property damage cleanup and restoration company is before a fire, smoke, or water damage disaster. Nobody wants to be calling around for a restoration company at 11:00 pm on the weekend while sewage is backing up in the shower, bathtub, and sinks. By pre-qualifying with SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian, the homeowner only has to make one call in the event of a disaster. A crew will be on the scene in about an hour or two to begin the cleanup and restoration process.

For more information about Midlothian, TX, water removal services, call SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian at (972) 935-0827 or email acarey@SERVPRO10932.com.