The last thing anybody wants is a broken water heater and a flooded residence, so what are the immediate steps that should be taken if a burst does occur, and what can you do prevent this from ever even happening?

A home’s water heater is probably not something most people think about very often. After all, it lives out of sight, usually does its job, and only needs replaced about every 8 to 12 years. In fact, most people don’t think about the water heater until their shower is way too cold, or until it happens to leak or burst. The last thing anybody wants is a broken water heater and a flooded residence, so what are the immediate steps that should be taken if a burst does occur, and what can you do prevent this from ever even happening?

What to do immediately after a water heater burst:

• Turn off the supply to the power and water. First things first, it is important to get the tank’s water and power supplies turned off. The quicker this can be done, the less damage you will have to endure.
• Contact a plumber. You may have stopped the flow of water, but in order to fix the problem and decrease the likelihood of permanent damage, it is important to call a plumber so they can take a closer look at the water heater.
• Gather evidence. Having photo evidence will be helpful when making an insurance claim, so be sure to get pictures of all the damage. It’s also important to retain the broken water heater until the adjuster has inspected the damage.  
• Start the cleanup process. Safety first! To ensure safety and prevent electrocution hazards, turn off your home’s gas or electricity (depending on whether your water heater is gas or electric). For a gas-powered water heater, twist the dial on top of the unit’s thermostat to the ‘off’ position. If you have an electric water heater, head to the circuit breaker to turn the unit off.
  (Call a qualified electrician if you can’t access the circuit breaker on your own.) Soak up all the remaining water and use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the room. If a lot of damage has occurred, or if the water has affected any sort of electrical equipment, do not attempt to fix it. Instead, call a water damage restoration service. After all, sometimes it is best to leave it to the professionals. They will safely clean up the remaining water, let you know if any mold has formed, and what needs to be done moving forward.
• Make an insurance claim and contact an agent. The water heater itself is not covered under your homeowner insurance, but the water damage that it may cause generally is. Your Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance agent will help you gather the information and evidence necessary in order to file a claim and begin the process.   

If the water heater is leaking, it is still urgent, but not quite as serious as a burst. If you notice a leak, make sure to shut off the water and power, take photos and clean up the area, and call a plumber right away. If the leak caused major damage, contact your KFB insurance agent.

Understanding what causes water heaters to burst, and what to look out for is the first step in prevention. Common causes include sediment buildup, corrosion, and excessive pressure. If you notice excessively hot or cold water, rusty water, leaks, or deterioration to the tank itself, these could be signs of a broken water heater. If it gets to this point, it may already be too late, but luckily there are many things you can do to prevent disaster.

Keeping an eye on the water heater can save you a lot of trouble. This includes regularly checking under the heater for leaks or dampness and making sure everything sounds right when it’s in use. Taking the extra step to insulate both the tank and pipes could also end up saving money on energy costs and lessen the workload for the heater. Most importantly, be sure to reduce sediment buildup by flushing and having the tank inspected by a professional yearly. A plumber is more likely to catch an issue early on than you are.

Regular water heater maintenance can mean all the difference in the health, safety, and longevity of the tank and water. However, if a leak or burst happens to occur, be sure to follow the steps above to reduce damage and make the process as quick and painless as possible.