Water Heaters Burst? 3 Steps To Take Immediately Following This Water-Related Emergency
When you bought your house, you knew that the water heater was a little out of date, and you kept meaning to get it inspected and serviced. Then, life happened, and you got preoccupied with handling all of the things that came up after you moved. Now, you are staring at a disturbing amount of water pouring out of your water heater, and you have no idea where to even begin. While you can't turn back time, you can stop the water from destroying your property and finances by immediately taking these three actions.
Turn Off The Water And Power
Your water heater is designed to continue filling when the sensor receives the signal that it is empty. This is why water clean up after a heater bursts is typically a heavy duty job. Immediately shut off the water to your tank using the shut off valve that is usually located near the top. If you cannot get that one to work, then head outside and use the shut off valve to the main line. Getting the water stopped is critical for preserving your property. You will also need to shut off the power to stop the heating element from continuing to get hot. For electric water heaters, use the circuit breaker. Gas heaters can be turned off using the valve.
Properly Remove The Water
Water damage cleanup must be done properly to prevent mold growth. While you can begin removing water with a wet-dry vacuum or sump pump as you wait for professional help, it is important to understand that water remediation involves additional steps to dry out things such as the insulation and drywall in your house. A professional company may also be able to preserve important belongings such as your furniture to minimize the cost of the damage.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Water damage repair is often covered under your home owners or renter's insurance, yet you must act quickly to begin the process of getting your repairs covered. Make sure to document any damage with photographs, and save receipts of any services that are required to get your property back to healthy living standards.
Dealing with a burst water heater is a major home catastrophe that can destroy your property. While the amount of water in your home is overwhelming, you can get things back to normal by doing your due diligence during the recovery and repair process. For more information or assistance, visit websites like http://www.crsidaho.com.