Do you enjoy long, hot showers? You have your water heater to thank for that! A water heater does exactly what it sounds like: it heats the water inside your home. Burst water heaters leave homeowners with costly repairs and damage. Additionally, burst water heaters are one of the main causes of residential water damage. They require the help of a water damage restoration company. 

What Causes a Water Heater to Burst? 

Pressure causes water heaters to burst. However, this pressure could be the result of several issues. The most common causes of this pressure include: 

• Sediment buildup (or mineral deposits inside the storage tank).
• Old or broken anode rod. This is a long rod made of magnesium that attracts iron and limestone in the water so it doesn’t corrode the water heater’s tank.
• Gas leak. 

Warning Signs of a Bursting Water Heater

Before your water heater explodes, there are a few notable warning signs you should be cognizant of. Here are a few of the most common: 

• The Smell of Rotten Eggs: The smell of rotten eggs is a sign of a gas leak, and you need to get to a safe place and call a water heater expert immediately. This unique smell is the result of sulfur being released. 
• A Leaky Pressure Valve: The goal of the pressure valve is to mitigate the risk of too much pressure building up. However, if your water heater’s pressure valve is leaking, it’s a warning sign that a burst and subsequent leak are imminent. 
• Brown Water: When water turns brown, it usually means it’s contaminated with magnesium, limestone, or iron. This means that your water heater is experiencing a sediment buildup and needs repair immediately. 
• Popping Sounds: When too much sentiment builds up in your water heater, it makes it easy for air to get stuck underneath. This commonly results in a popping sound. 

Steps to Take After Your Basement Water Heater Bursts

First, shut the water off to prevent further damage.  After a water heater leak, it is incredibly difficult to stop the flow of water, making shutting off the valve imperative. Next, you should shut off your home’s power. However, you should only do this if it is safe to do so.

The water by this point will probably be extensive. You’ll want to grab a few buckets to get the water out of your house. Next, you should remove any water-logged items from the area. This includes area rugs, books, clothing, and furniture. 

Once water is removed, open windows (if possible) to get a cross breeze. If you don’t have windows in your basement, try leaving the back door open. If you don’t have a back door, turn on the air conditioning or plug in a dehumidifier.

Mold grows in as little as 24 hours in environments that have suffered water damage. But they also grow in excessive heat. This is why you want to try and dry the area and remove excess humidity as soon as possible. 

Next, call a water damage restoration company. They have the tools needed to treat water-damaged basements. Furthermore, they have dehumidifiers and wet-dry vacs. They will clean and disinfect the water-logged area so your home can look and smell normal again. 

Did Your Basement Flood Due to a Broken Water Heater? Don’t Let the Aftermath Overwhelm You 

No one wants to deal with a flooded basement. If your basement is flooded due to a burst or broken water heater, go ahead and call California Steam Clean. We have years of experience handling the most complex types of water damage. Call us today at (707) 236-8798 to book a water damage restoration appointment.