A: The Effects of Water Damage to your Home
The water heater is a valuable part of any home, providing hot water for kitchens and bathrooms for a variety of uses. Water heaters however must be maintained properly, otherwise they can rust, leak and cause great damage to your home.
While most people imagine that flooding is the primary method that a compromised water heater can cause damage to your home, there are other dangers present as well which can cause you thousands of dollars worth of repair bills and even affect the health of the members of your home as well.
Even a slow leak can cause your utility bill to rise because of additional water being wasted and the continual heating of new water added to the tank. Listed here are common types of damage to the home caused by leakage from a water heater unit.
- Carpet Damage
Carpets are especially vulnerable to long term exposure to water. While clean water that evaporates from the carpet within 48 hours generally causes no permanent damage, a leaking water heater provides a continual source of water that does not evaporate. Left unchecked for more than 48 hours and the section of carpet exposed to the water can be damaged to the point of needed replacement.
- Flood Damage
A water heater that bursts, spilling a tremendous amount of water on the floor can cause more than just an annoying spill. The water that is released can seep into floorboards, cracks in the baseboard, get under carpets and more. Water that finds its way under flooring can warp the wood, causing a great deal of damage that requires the affected wood to be replaced.
Water that flows behind walls can warp the wooden studs and support system as well, requiring it to be replaced. Furthermore, wherever the water reaches, it can damage vulnerable drywall and other items as well. However, there is an even greater danger presented by a water heater that leaks over time.
- Mold
The water released from a poorly maintained water heater causes the moisture content of the air to rise which is the perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold is a living organism that clings to wood and dry walls that can grow at a tremendous rate.
Left unchecked, mold will cause continuing damage to your walls, flooring and the support structures of your home. But worse, mold contains properties that when released in the air cause allergic reactions and even illness to the occupants of the home. The presence of mold can create conditions such that the home might become unlivable until removed.
- Spotting Water Heater Damage
The best way to address the potential issue of water heater damage is to do regular inspections of the water heater unit. Set aside a few minutes each month to check your water heater for signs of leakage. You should look for the following signs;
- Dripping water, especially from connections to the unit
- Buildup of rust on the water heater or pipes that connect to the unit
- High Water Pressure, insure that the pressure is below 80 psi to prevent bursting
Regular maintenance of your water heater can prevent leakage and water loss that can affect the carpeting, flooring and dry walls of your home. If you have had recent water damage caused from a leaking water heater, call us at 480-547-9517
