When the water heater is compromised, it can bring a flood of problems into your garage, your laundry room, or even your entire home. This situation is something that a homeowner in Boynton Beach, FL would have loved to avoid, but instead experienced first hand- water heater water damage.

In this case, Joe Taylor Restoration received a call from a panicked Boynton Beach resident who was in her garage, standing in water. The supply line to her water heater had come loose and quickly flooded the laundry room, dining room, a hallway and the garage before she could shut the water off. Our technicians were, of course, able to dry and restore the structure. However, the homeowner would have much preferred to avoid the whole scenario by preventing the water heater water damage from ever occurring in the first place.

In an effort to help you do just that, the following are a few simple things you, as a homeowner, can do to hopefully avoid this type of disaster:

Consider Location: Whether installing a new water heater or considering an existing unit, assess the location of the system in your home. If your water heater is typically or is currently located in, or next to, a room with expensive flooring or other hard-to-replace materials/objects, consider asking your plumber to install it elsewhere or to move it. This may be difficult depending on the location of your home’s water lines. However, moving your unit to the basement or an outdoor utility closet could save you major repair in the event of water heater water damage.

Maintain Unit: Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent the failure of a water heater. Periodically inspect your unit and check for any rust or slow leaks. Follow the water line from the back of the appliance to the wall looking for any water leaks in the pipes and connectors. If you discover a leak or other issue, contact a licensed plumber who can correct any problems.

Be Ready: In the event that your water heater does malfunction and water begins leaking from the appliance, make sure you know where your home’s main water valve is located and shut off the water immediately. Have a bucket available to catch any spilling water and call a licensed plumber right away.

If despite your best efforts, water heater water damage makes its way into your home or business, call the water restoration experts at Joe Taylor Restoration. One call will result in the expertise and considerable resources necessary to remedy the situation and restore your property to its original condition.

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