It's one of the worst things a homeowner can experience, but there are quite a few things you can do to prevent serious damage to your home (and income) in the event your water heater tank breaks. Thankfully, we're not only make the situation considerably less stressful, but walk you through the steps so you can rebound as soon as possible. Here's a look at what to do in the event your water heater tank breaks.
What To Do When Your Water Heater Breaks
● Stop the Water
To begin addressing the issue, try to find the cold water supply pipe. This pipe runs from the top of your water heater to the main water line. If the water heater was working properly, the water would've stopped flowing the moment the tank was full. Since your water heater tank broke, it will be pushing water throughout the room the moment it comes from your cold water pipe. Once you find the cold water valve, turn it clockwise until it can no longer turn. By doing this, it will stop the constant flow of water coming into the water heater tank and spraying it throughout the room.
● Shut the Power Off
It should be noted that whatever gas or electric element used for your water heater tank can pose a serious hazard if it keeps running. In addition to wasting energy, a burst water heater tank can cause a fire in your home. This is especially true if the thermostat broke, because it won't shut itself off. To shut off the power to your water heater tank, go to your electrical breaker box and shut off the breaker to the tank. If it runs on gas, shut off the gas line and stay out of your home until it no longer smells like natural gas.
● Clean-Up Any Mess, and Contact Insurance
Now that the water heater tank has no water or energy circulating through it, it's time to assess the damage and clean-up. Take a photo of everything that was damaged by the water heater tank break so you can give important information to your insurance. If you have puddles or standing water in the room where the break occurred, use a wet/dry vac to clean it up. If you have a dehumidifier, run it to prevent mold.
Considering the information above, there's still hope in the event your water heater tank breaks. Thankfully, Steve's Plumbing & Heating is here to help you come out on top in such a scenario. Contact us today for more information!