Water Damage From Your Water Heater

Daily duties are made possible by the comfort and convenience that water heaters give our Marietta homes. When they break down, however, they may wreak havoc and devastation. In fact, the water heater is a frequent source of water damage restoration in homes. The capacity of a conventional water heater is measured in gallons of hot water that can be held at once. The majority of home water heaters have a capacity of 20 to 100 gallons and are built to automatically replenish themselves so that hot water is always on hand. This is why when water heater tanks break, the result is significant water damage because there is a constant supply of water and tons of it. 

Water Damage Restoration Marietta

Here at Dry Pros, who specialize in water damage restoration, are going to share some of the main reasons for water damage from water heaters.

1. Aging: Even though hot water heaters are made to last, they will eventually start to rust and corrode. When corrosion becomes severe enough, the tank will start to leak. Corrosion-related leaks are hazardous and should not be disregarded because water will keep flowing through the leak until it is stopped or the water supply is turned off. If regular maintenance and inspections are neglected, the buildup may cause your water heater to malfunction. Water heaters should typically be changed every ten years to avoid damage due to aging. Your water heater may last longer, avoid leaks, and cause less water damage with routine tank cleaning and manufacturer-recommended maintenance.
2. High Water Pressure: When the pressure inside the water heater tank becomes too high, water is forced to flow out in an effort to release some of the pressure. What, then, contributes to a rise in pressure? Temperature is the main factor in elevated water pressure in water heater tanks. Pressure will increase if the temperature is set too high. A faulty pressure relief valve will also contribute to an excessive buildup of pressure inside the water heater tank, which will ultimately result in a leak. Another reason the water pressure may be too high is if the pressure in your main water supply line is too high. This can be monitored with a water pressure gauge installed on an exterior faucet of your home. Optimal water pressure readings should be between 45 and 65 psi. Anytime the water pressure in your home is too high, not only is your water heater tank at risk, but every single pipe is more prone to leaks and your odds of requiring water damage restoration will greatly increase.
3. Poor Drain Valve Connections: Loose drain valves will allow water to slowly but persistently pour out of the water heater tank. A leaking drain valve is simple to stop once it has been identified; all you need to do is tighten it with a tool. However, it is simple to overtighten, which can harm the valve and lead to more issues. If you detect that a valve is dripping water, fix it immediately before it leads to major water damage restoration. 

Water heaters are an essential component of daily comfort and functionality in our homes. It is advised to be proactive and knowledgeable about how to avoid significant water damage caused by the water heater. If you find yourself in need of water damage restoration, whether from the water heater or any other cause in your home, call Dry Pros right away.