Water Damage Dangers From Water Heaters
Even though you seldom think about it, your hot water heater works all the time. Unfortunately, the odds are that your unit will break down. 75 percent of hot water heaters will fail. The cost of the unit PLUS the water damages averages more than $4000. Leaks are even more expensive to restore if located on the second floor.
Hardworking heaters have a limited life; don’t try to extend the timeframe beyond the recommendation, Some signs of imminent failure include: water accumulation beneath the heater, hissing or whistling sound characteristic of a worn valve, chronic hot water shortages. Simple actions can improve your unit’s efficiency and longevity. A little attention and care will not only extend the life, but might also prevent an indoor flood of dirty water.
Damage From A Complete Unit Failure
Several factors can add up to a total loss; the worst is when the steel water storage tank corrodes through. As the water in the system is heated, minerals separate and settle at the bottom of the water storage tank. Over time, mineral and salt deposits will accumulate on the bottom of the tank; they corrode the tank liner and heater elements. Then the corroded bottom of a tank literally fails. The rusted out bottom breaks open and all the held water spews out. This deluge of up to 50 gallons of silty, rusty water could spill 1 or 2 inches of water in the entire home.
Sometimes components fail (such as thermostat, gas control valve, heating coils in electric units, and Temperature & Pressure (T&P) valve). These parts can often be replaced without replacing the water heater.
Damage From Slow Leaks
However, not every water heater breaks down in such an obvious way– sometimes the damage is slow over time. Your average tank-style water heater has a typical lifespan of about 10 years. Like any appliance, wear and tear degrade the connections and something breaks.
Sediment in most water heater tanks is usually the result of limescale buildup from hard water and rust. Sedimentation is one of the most common problems lowering the heater’s ability to heat water and shortening its life.
Sometimes the damage is not from the unit, but for the connections. Most commonly, the connection where the cold-water supply line comes in or where the hot water line goes out begin to leak.
When You Have Water Damage In Savannah
Harper Special Services is a fully licensed company who can provide you with the top water restoration service in Savannah, GA that specializes in all types of restorations: water, fire, mold, storm restoration. Whether you are looking for a restoration service by itself or a company that can provide you with the full package emergency services, debris removal, shoring, board ups to restoration, trust our experts.
The quality service together with our team of experts will take care of every aspect of the water restoration project as we understand the stress you will be dealing with after such a traumatic experience.