Nobody wants to find out that their water heater has caused flooding in their basement, but it happens. Water damage restoration is a critical step when dealing with a flooded basement due to a water heater. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the steps you should take if your water heater floods your basement.
Don't Panic
When you discover that your water heater has flooded your basement, it can be an overwhelming and stressful situation. It is important to remain calm and take the proper steps to address the issue.
While it is understandable that emotions may be running high, panicking and losing control can often worsen the situation.
Take a few deep breaths, collect yourself, and begin to take action. Make sure that you have a plan in place for how to deal with the flood and that you follow it step by step. Doing so will help ensure that the issue is resolved as quickly and effectively as possible.
Shut Off the Power
If your water heater has flooded your basement, the first thing you should do is shut off the power to the appliance. Water and electricity do not mix, and you don’t want to risk electrocution if you attempt to move the water heater.
To shut off the power, locate the circuit breaker box and turn off the power to the water heater. If you are uncertain which breaker controls the water heater, you may need to turn off the power to the entire house.
When turning off the power, make sure you wear rubber gloves and dry shoes as a precautionary measure. You should also avoid any contact with water that has pooled around the water heater as a safety measure.
Shut Off the Water
The next step after you have shut off the power is to shut off the water supply. This can be done by finding the main water shut-off valve in your home and turning it off.
Doing this will prevent any further flooding. If you cannot locate the main shut-off valve, you should shut off all of the water valves in your home.
Once the water has been shut off, it’s important to inspect the affected area for any signs of damage. Check for broken pipes, leaks, and other damages that may have occurred due to the flooding. Make sure to take note of any damage so you can properly address it with your insurance company or a water damage restoration service.
Remove the Water
Once you have shut off the power and water to the water heater, it’s time to begin removing the water from the basement. This is a critical step because standing water in your basement can cause further damage to your home.
You may be tempted to use a shopvac or other household vacuum cleaner for this job, but it is important that you do not. These devices are not equipped with the proper filters and can actually increase the risk of electrical shock or other injury if used in a flooded basement.
Instead, you should rent a professional-grade wet/dry vacuum from a local home improvement store. This will be powerful enough to remove the water quickly and safely.
Call Your Insurance Carrier
If your basement has been flooded as a result of your water heater, it’s important to contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible.
Depending on the type of insurance policy you have, you may be covered for all or part of the damage. Your insurance carrier will be able to advise you on how to proceed in order to receive compensation for repairs and any other costs associated with the flooding.
You should also ask your insurance carrier what documents they need in order to process your claim. This may include pictures or videos of the flooding, along with receipts for any items that were damaged in the flood.
You will also need to provide an estimate for the cost of repairs or cleanup of the flooded area. Once your claim is processed, you may be eligible for compensation that can help cover the cost of repairs or cleaning up the flood damage.
Call a Water Damage Restoration Service
After you’ve talked to your insurance carrier, it’s best to call a water damage restoration service as soon as possible. This is because the longer you wait to call a professional, the more damage will be done and the costlier it may be to repair.
A professional water damage restoration service will be able to assess the damage and provide an accurate assessment of what needs to be done to restore your basement. They may recommend removing items that are affected by flooding. They can also help with repairing and replacing any electrical, plumbing, or other infrastructure that has been affected.
Most importantly, a water damage restoration service can prevent further damage by drying out your basement and preventing the growth of mold and mildew. They will use specialized fans, dehumidifiers, and other equipment to speed up the drying process and help keep your home safe from further harm.
If you’ve had a water heater flood your basement, don’t hesitate to call Water’s Fault Restorations. Our expertise and experience in restoring basements damaged by flooding can help you save time and money and ensure your safety and peace of mind.