A leak from a hot water heater in one's home can cause a significant amount of damage within a small period of time. This weekly insurance claim update will address how to stop a leak and what to do in the event of a leaky water heater.
Coverage
A leaking hot water heater can wreak havoc on the interior of a home, especially when it comes to the flooring, sub-flooring, baseboards, and drywall. Even a slow leak that goes undetected may lead to big time damage due to the continuous flow of moisture to hard to see areas of the home. Hot water heaters are usually kept in the basement or a seldom used utility room or water closet, therefore when they leak it can go unnoticed for hours or days.
Fortunately, the leaking of a water heater is typically covered by a person's homeowner insurance. According to the Insurance Information Institute the following is a covered peril in most homeowner policies, "Sudden and accidental tearing apart, cracking, burning, or bulging of a steam or hot water heating system, an air conditioning or automatic fire-protective system."
What Causes a Leak to Occur?
There are many reasons that a hot water heater may start to leak. If the unit is old and rusted, then small holes can form around the water tank or pipe lines. Rust and corrosion may lead to moisture dripping through and causing damage over a long period of time. This type of long-term leaking can also lead to the development of mold.
Issues with the hot water heater's drainage valve may also cause leaks. According to an article on the website Water Heater Leaking Info, "The drain valve is used when draining the tank to remove sediment that builds up and eventually causes damage to the inside of your tank. If the valve is faulty, water will begin to leak and pool at the bottom of the tank."
Annual service check-ups of one's hot water heater will help a homeowner be proactive in keeping their unit in good shape. It is also a smart idea to keep adequate records regarding hot water heater maintenance. Should water damage occur from a water heater, it is vital to take photos of any damage and then work quickly to shut off the water. A plumber may need to be called in order to minimize damage to the dwelling.
Contact us today if you are having trouble getting reimbursed from your insurance carrier on a water or mold claim that was the result of a leaking hot water heater.
