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SERVPROSERVPRO of Rock Hill, York County
Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration™
(803) 324-5780

SERVPRO of Fort Mill Is "Always Here to Help" If You Experience Water Heater Overflow

11/24/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will have your house back to normal in no time after a water heater overflow.

Water Heater Overflow Cleanup

One of the most prevalent causes of indoor flooding is water heater overflows. These water heaters are usually located in basements, attics, garages, or a utility room closet; places people don't go very often. So, if a burst or leak happens, the Fort Mill homeowner or tenant likely would not find the problem until after a significant water intrusion has already occurred. If this were to happen to you, you'll want to stay calm, shut off the heater and water, and contact the SERVPRO professionals for help.

SERVPRO has the professionals who are equipped to handle a water heater overflow. They have the knowledge, tools, and experience to deal with the situation safely and effectively whether it's your home or workplace that is in jeopardy.

How Do Fort Mill Water Heater Overflows Happen?

Water heater related floods usually occur due to a worn out seal or gasket, or from a leak in an older tank that rusted through. Sometimes a tank can actually explode or burst in a violent and dangerous manner. This could cause serious harm to anyone who is in the immediate vicinity of the water heater at the time of the explosion. Leaks are more common than bursts and have the potential to flood large portions of a home or basement if the leaking is undetected for days on end.

A malfunctioning thermostat is usually the cause of a water heater burst. These thermostats are used to measure the temperature inside the tank to turn the heating elements off and on so that a preset desired temperature range can be maintained. In the event of a broken thermostat, the heating system inside the tank could stay on indefinitely and cause the water to boil. This boiling water turns into steam and builds up internal pressure inside the tank. This internal pressure will build up and eventually reach a point where the tank cannot hold it, which will result in a burst or even explosion.

When such a burst occurs, steam and boiling water rush out of the tank, while cold water from the intake line flows into the tank. Normally, the line will shut itself off, preventing water entry when the tank if full. However, in this situation, the burst tank is never full because of the continual leaking, and the water from the main line flows through indefinitely. Water is entering the tank only to leak back out and flood the area around and below the water heater. The only upside to this scenario is that someone will likely hear the loud burst  and investigate and discover the problem before too much damage has occurred and remediation can be started.

A leak, on the other hand, operates quietly and floods your home, basement, or workplace a little at a time. Usually, it will happen when one of your heating tank's fittings becomes damaged or corroded. This can provide a gap that allows water to escape. This flooding is not violent like a burst or explosion, but it can still be extremely destructive to property and sometimes dangerous to humans or pets. Regular maintenance and inspections of your water heater will increase awareness of possible problems. A professional can replace the anode, flush the corrosion from your tank, as well as check all valves and gaskets for problems or warning signs.

What are the Hazards of Water Heater Overflows?

With the added elements of high temperature and late detection, the number of threats with water heater flooding exceeds that of normal flooding. Here are some things to look out for in the event of a water heater overflow:

  • Hot water burns – The initial burst of water from a heater is scalding hot, so be sure not to rush in, especially if you see steam. Use protective clothing before attempting anything.
  • Electrocution by water – A flooded basement carries the risk of having the water making contact with power outlets and exposed wiring. When this happens, the floodwater carries a strong electric current that’s enough to kill anyone. When you see your basement flooded, resist the impulse to dive into the water in an attempt to shut the leaking heater down. Contact SERVPRO for help. Our professionals will be able to determine whether there’s an electrical threat or not. They’ll know the safest procedure for shutting down the water source and containing and extracting the water from your property.
  • Potential fire starter – Flooding doesn’t just create an electrical hazard, it can also short-circuit your electrical system and create sparks. Faulty electrical wiring is one of the most common causes of fire.
  • Water damage – When the water spills beyond the immediate surroundings of the heater and gets into your living and work spaces, the threat of water damage arises. Water can ruin carpets, damage wood, corrode metals and toast expensive appliances and machinery.
  • Mold growth – Mold spores can activate in places where there’s sufficient moisture and organic matter to sustain them. If your property was flooded by an overflowing heater, there’s a good chance that mold growth can follow suit. While seemingly harmless at first glance, mold can irritate our noses and skin when its spores are inhaled. Under certain conditions, mold colonies can turn black and toxic. The poison they produce has been linked to neurological disorders and even cancer.

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