What Damage Can Be Caused By A Leaking Water Heater?
Leaky water heaters can cause a lot of structural and financial damage. Not only can the water heater leak, but the damage can also spread to other parts of the house.
If you are experiencing water damage, it is essential to identify the source of the leak as soon as possible to prevent further damage. The damages that a leaky water heater can cause are:
Flooding
The most common damage caused by a leaking water heater is flooding. Flooding can cause water to seep into the floors of your house, causing expensive damage to both your flooring and foundation.
Even worse is when the plumber has not shut off the mainline leading into the home, which can lead to extensive water damages throughout your home.
Structural Damage
Along with flooding, structural damage is a typical result of a leaky water heater. This type of water damage spreads quickly and can cause your home’s flooring and framing to warp or split if not dealt with immediately.
Mold Growth
If you notice mold growing anywhere in your house, it is essential to figure out why. Not only can mold cause health problems for you and your family, but it also means that there are excessive moisture levels in the house, leading to further structural damage.
Odors
No one wants water damage in their home because of the mess and inconvenience that it causes, but an even bigger problem with water damage is the pungent odor that it leaves behind. If your home has experienced water damage, the smell will be challenging to remove.
One way to prevent additional water damage is by maintaining your water heater regularly. By having your water heater periodically serviced, you can prevent it from leaking and causing further damage to the house.
How to Identify Water Damage?
It can be challenging to identify water damage, especially if it is not visible. There are a few ways that you can tell if you have a water damage problem in your home:
- If you see water pooled anywhere in your house, this is a sign of water damage.
- If you see any mold growth, this is also a sign of water damage.
- If you smell a musty or earthy odor, this is also often a sign of water damage.
- Water damage can also be clearly seen in warped floors or split framing.
- If you notice any peeling paint, this can show water damage.
- If your doors or windows are sticking, this is often a sign of water damage.
Of course, some problems with floors and framing may not be due to water damage at all. Often it simply requires an adjustment here or there to fix the problem.
Conclusion
The cost of water damage due to leakage in a water heater can be high. And if you’re trying to save money on your monthly bills, the last thing you want is for unexpected and expensive repairs or replacements.
To avoid these costly situations, always inspect your water heater annually and ensure that it has been installed properly so as not to leak at all.
Learn How to Deal with Water Damage after Fire Extinguishing
Learn more about water damage in GTA here