Natural disasters are unpredictable, strike without warning, and result in far more significant losses of life and property than we could have ever imagined. Here, we’re referring to water heaters placed in houses and businesses that suffered storm-related damage.
A common issue during storms is local flooding. Additionally, stormwater runoff has the potential to contaminate the pipework. The extent of the damage can multiply if the tainted water can get into a water heater.
1. Speak With Your Insurance Provider
Depending on your other policies, your homeowners’ insurance will change. The insurance company will dispatch an adjuster to examine for flood damage restoration, evaluate it, and decide if it qualifies as a covered loss.
As many images as you can take before, during, and after cleanup will help you document the values of every item you can think of. When the adjuster can visit and evaluate the damage, this will help. Note that not all home insurance policies include coverage for flood damage. After water damage, safety comes first!
2. Protecting Yourself, Your Appliances, and Your Valuables
Making sure you and your family are safe comes first in any significant home emergency, such as floods and water damage. There are several things you may do to keep yourself secure at home.
3. Shut Off The Electricity
You shouldn’t mix water with electricity. But it’s best to leave it alone and call an electrician if turning off the electricity requires you to enter or stand in wet areas. Never enter a flood-damaged home again before shutting off the electrical.
4. Wear Protective Equipment
When you return home, ensure you’re wearing safety gear, such as rubber boots and gloves. As a result, you will be shielded against wounds that might become contaminated with water.
5. Shutoff The Water Heater
The water heater should then be drained off to remove any garbage that has formed inside. Be careful; draining the water heater does not indicate that all sources of infections, smells, and mildew have been removed. They might be living in the water heater’s insulating lining.
Remove the insulation as well, if you can. But since it’s a challenging process, hiring an expert is preferable.
6. Inspect the Body
Next, check the body to see any indications of physical harm. Your water heater may have rust and dents, and in some situations, the shell has come off in some places. Contact a water heater replacement company if the structural damage is too significant.
7. Check The Combustion Chamber And The Heat Source
You must be absolutely sure your heat source is secure enough to be re-lit and that the combustion chamber is structurally unharmed. Ignorance that has been exercised could result in the water heater igniting and blowing up.
8. Inspect the Venting System
Inspect the venting system’s piping and fittings to ensure they are still in good condition. You now have a good sense of whether it is safe to use your water heater. Contact a service provider to acquire a quote and further inspect any minors you might have overlooked.
Conclusion
To fix a water heater problem properly, contacting a plumber is the ideal first step if a homeowner believes their safety is in danger or is doubtful of where to proceed.
A plumber can advise a homeowner on selecting higher-quality components for a water heater that will last longer, potentially saving them money. Finding certified local experts only requires a quick search for “water heater servicing near me.”
