Water Heater Burst: What To Do When it Breaks

3 min read

A water heater is an essential component of a home’s water system. And when it breaks, it can wreak havoc on your home, causing extensive water damage. It’s never fun waking up to strange popping, hissing, or rumbling noises. Then you realize the sound is coming from the water heater. What do you do when there is a water heater burst? At Restoration 1 of Southern Connecticut, we handle all types of emergencies, like a broken water heater. Learn about the type of water heaters and what to do in an emergency situation.

Types of Water Heaters

There are two main types of water heaters – the conventional storage water heaters. These are the most common type of water heater that you’ll find in most homes. Tankless water heaters are not as popular, but they have their advantages if their home fits certain criteria.

Conventional Water Heaters

Conventional water heaters have a tank at the top which contains a set amount of hot water. The water is typically heated via gas or electricity. It depends on the home and system setup. When you turn on the water from a faucet, the water is released from the top of the tank. The water at the top of the tank is hot and sends it through the pipes in your home. The tank is then filled with cold water, so the tank always stays full.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, as the name suggests, don’t operate with a tank of water. How they operate is by heating water directly each time a faucet is turned on. Coldwater travels through either a heating element that is either electric or gas-powered. Once the water passes through the heating element, it comes out the faucet hot. Since tankless water heaters do not store hot water, they can’t burst in the same way that storage water heaters can.

What Causes A Water Heater to Break?

Conventional water heaters can typically last 10 years or so. That depends if there have been regular maintenance checks performed by a technician. Sometimes a water heater will start leaking near the floorboards or near metal pipes. If not corrected, the leak can cause damage to the floor and can lead to corrosion if near metal parts.

What Types Damage Does a Water Heater Burst Cause

Typically, water heaters are kept in a storage closet or a basement. When a water heater bursts in a basement, it can start flooding. Most basements do not have an outflow for water, so you’ll want to shut off the water immediately. The same goes for water heaters in a storage closet, except where the storage closet is located. The water damage can spread to hardwood flooring and the adjacent wall. Without proper treatment, the water damage can be an open invitation for mold to grow.

What To Do With The Water Damage

Water Damage causes damage to carpet, hardwood floors, and nearby walls. With water seepage, not only does it cause damage but it can promote mold growth. When mold grows the air quality in your home can become toxic and cause extensive damage to the walls. Don’t wait until it’s too late and contact the experts at Restoration 1 of Southern Connecticut. Our certified technicians have years of experience in restoring property from a broken water heater and mold remediation. We’re available 24/7 at (203) 941-3596 today.