If homeowners wrote a list of their worst fears regarding their homes, what would be on that list? Fire, theft, and water damage would definitely be high on most homeowners’ fears. Though nothing can guarantee that your home will be safe from fire, theft, and flooding; there are things that homeowners can do to help prevent fire, theft, and flooding in their homes. At Go Green Carpet Cleaning and Restoration we see firsthand the devastation and damage from water heater floods. We are always here to help clean up and restore your home from flooding in your home due to water heaters, but we would love to help your family avoid having to deal with flooding by sharing these helpful tips.
Causes of Water Heater Leaking
According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, the number one cause of water heaters springing a leak is ignoring needed maintenance. Most water heaters are not located where they are in your daily line of vision and many homeowners tend to forget about the importance of properly maintaining their water heaters to avoid leaks or bursts.
Replacement of Water Heater Anode Rod
The anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod in your water heater’s tank. The purpose of the anode rod is to deteriorate so that your tank does not deteriorate. The rod is designed to eventually completely rust away. If the rod isn’t replaced, rust will begin to form in the tank. The rust will weaken the tank and eventually cause it to leak or burst. An inspection of the anode rod and replacement is an easy task for homeowners to complete. There are videos online to show you how to replace the anode rod. It is recommended that you replace your anode rod around the time your water heater warranty expires.
Test Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve
Another safety measure homeowners frequently forget is to “exercise” the temperature and pressure relief valve on your water heater. Opening the valve for five seconds every six months will help you see that water can come out of the valve and that the valve closes after being opened. As your water heater heats the water needed for your home, it creates pressure in your tank. When an unsafe amount of pressure builds up in your tank, your temperature and pressure relief valve will open and release a small amount of water. If it is functioning properly, after releasing the water it will automatically close again. Simply checking to make sure that the valve both opens and closes properly can prevent your water header from bursting.
Flush Gas Water Heater
Flushing your water heater is an additional part of your water heater maintenance that can be overlooked. As your water heater functions, sediments can settle at the bottom of your tank. The sediments insulate your water from the burner at the bottom of the tank. This insulation makes your water heater work harder than necessary to heat water from your home. When your water heater works too hard it can overheat. Overheating slowly deteriorates the tank and causes a water leak. Experts recommend that you flush your water heater once a year.
Carpet Cleaning, Water Damage Restoration & More in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Diamond Bar & Agoura Hills, California
We believe that properly maintaining your water heater can prevent many water heater floods from occurring. Learning how to replace the anode rod, exercising your temperature and pressure relief valve, and flushing your heater are simple things that you can perform at your house to help avoid a water heater flood from damaging your home. If you find yourself with a water heater flood, please call us at Go Green Carpet Cleaning and Restoration. We will immediately come over and help clean up the water and ensure that your flooring is appropriately dried and sanitized.
