Although most people don’t think about it, dealing with a water heater failure is a big part of owning a home, and the results of such a failure can be devastating. Most tank-style heaters have a lifespan of about a decade, and like any other home appliance, time, wear and tear eventually cause components to fail. In many cases, leaks happen where hot and cold water pipes connect to the tank, causing gradual damage. Here, homeowners will learn about mold damage caused by a water heater failure.
Mold Growth Happens Fast
In ideal conditions, mold can grow in as little as two days. Most people don’t see their Water Heaters in Rehoboth Beach DE, that often, so they wouldn’t really know if a leak existed. In most homes, rooms share common walls with the water heater. When a leak occurs, the kitchen cabinetry is often the first thing to be damaged, but entire walls can be damaged as water spreads and causes mold growth.
Tank Rupture
The other, more catastrophic type of water heater failure is a rupture of the tank. Stresses caused by expansion and contraction and temperature fluctuations can lead to a sudden tank rupture. The average water heater tank can hold up to 50 gallons, and that amount of water can cause severe damage inside the home.
To prevent water damage, homeowners should have water heaters inspected regularly. A technician can check the tank’s connections, looking for seeping moisture or puddles of water near the tank. If soggy drywall or mold appear, get the area inspected by a mold remediation specialist before having repairs done to the water heater.
Preventing Further Damage
If a homeowner is in the process or renovation, the water heater should be relocated to the home’s garage to lower the chance of severe damage, and the tank should be placed on a specially-designed metal stand. If the water heater is more than ten years old, consider buying a new system to avoid premature failure.
If a water heater bursts and a homeowner wakes up to severe damage, they should call a repair service after the damage has been repaired. Whether the damage is substantial or minor, works with homeowners and insurance carriers to get the work done fast.
