How to Clean up a Busted Water Heater

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The best way to clean up when a water heater busts, is to first and most importantly, prevent this tragedy from happening. But, should this emergency occur, put the following in motion.



Before attempting any repair or damage control to the water heater, turn off the power to the (electric) water heater. Do this by turning off the circuit breaker or fuse powering the heater. Then, call a plumber. Then, do what you can to clean up the water.



If the water heater is (gas,) turn the gas pilot valve to "pilot" setting. Then, shut off the water supply to the water heater. Next, open the nearest hot water faucet. Lastly, attach the hose to drain valve.



Water damage that comes from a busted water heater, if not cleaned up well and in a timely fashion, can cause great harm to the home and family members due to the mold and its spores. So, cleaning up the water should be the next main concern.



Therefore, cleaning up water from a busted water heater can be done several ways: if you own a wet/dry vac and know how to use it, then do so. Or, call your local carpet cleaner or plumber. Calling a plumber is often the best choice, for they deal with this kind of problem, daily.



Carpet cleaners with their large vacuums, have the tools need to suck up the water in a timely fashion and then use the home’s heating system to thoroughly dry out the moist area. Often if the area has been flooded with a lot of water, it will take weeks or months for the area to become completely dry. But it must become completely dry so that mold and its spores do not develop, for when they become air-bourn, can cause health problems for everyone living in the home.



The plumber has a special process when cleaning up after a busted water heater. He or she will remove the water from the area, and then put in motion a de-humidifying process, to help speed up the drying process. After the water has evaporated, the air will be tested to make sure that the water and all moisture is gone from the property. Odor control, fabric restoration, mold remediation, dry wall restoration and wood floor restoration are done, according to what and how much water damage has occurred. Hammond and Knoll (2009)



To conclude, the best way to keep a water heater from busting is to regularly check the condition of your water heater. If you notice rust, sediment buildup or noticeable leaks, call a plumber and have him check it out. Also check your high water pressure. Anything that shows over 80 psi can cause damage to water heaters, its piping and appliances. If your water heater shows pressure over 80 psi, you may need a pressure reducing valve and possibly an expansion tank.