For industry professionals, the signs of water damage are all too familiar. From warped wood and degraded infrastructure to the buildup of mold and mildew, water damage can have wide-ranging effects. The causes of water damage are similarly varied, encompassing everything from ruptured pipes to poorly installed plumbing fixtures. 

And then there’s the water heater. Today’s units are made to be durable and high performing for many years, but when poorly installed or inadequately maintained, water heaters can sometimes spring leaks—and when left undetected, those leaks can result in significant damage. 

Industry professionals naturally need to know how to identify and address water damage from a leaky water heater, but also how to guide homeowners toward a reliable water heater replacement and advise toward better preventative maintenance routines.

Why do water heaters cause damage?

A high-quality water heater, installed properly and consistently serviced, should not have ongoing problems with leaking. However, even the most reliable units have a finite lifespan—and when they are not maintained properly, water heaters may need replacing sooner than anticipated. 

Some of the most common reasons why water heaters leak, and cause damage include:

• Pressure build-up, usually because the pressure valve is improperly installed or not serviced/inspected as suggested.
• Condensation that spills out—often because of poor insulation or physical damage to the tank itself. (Water heater drain pans should be considered a best practice.)
• Flooding from a ruptured tank, which can happen when rust and corrosion persist or the tank simply reaches an advanced age. Again, water heater drain pans should be considered a best practice! 

Buying a high-quality tank and having it properly installed, then serviced annually, can help to minimize these risks. Even so, property restoration professionals should be prepared to address these issues as they arise—and to advise homeowners on how to choose a reliable replacement water heater.

Guiding homeowners toward the right water heater solutions

Having access to hot water is essential, so homeowners who’ve experienced the failure of an older unit will certainly be in the market for a replacement. Property restoration professionals may not be in the plumbing or water heater business, but they can nevertheless serve as trusted advisors to homeowners during a time of need.

First and foremost, it’s important to emphasize the importance of high-quality materials. Investing in a more durable, reliable product can significantly reduce the risk of leaking or flooding. 

Something else to consider: homeowners who have experienced a ruptured tank may be the prime audience for a tankless upgrade. Tankless water heaters can still leak when poorly installed, but there is a much narrower range of potential issues for homeowners to worry about. There may be other benefits to tankless installation, such as the smaller footprint, that appeal to homeowners who are in the market for a new unit.

It never hurts to look for a water heater certified for its energy efficiency, with designations such as ENERGY STAR®. Not only do these units provide operational efficiency, but they tend to be well-designed and dependable.

Homeowners should also be reminded that issues with water heaters frequently originate from improper installation or from a general lack of upkeep. In other words, it’s important for homeowners to find a licensed plumber to install their water heater—an essential investment in the long-term wellbeing of their home.

Property restoration professionals can play an advisory role

Professionals in the property restoration field may not profit directly from water heater sales, but that doesn’t mean they can’t serve as knowledgeable advisors and subject-matter experts—adding tremendous value to their customers’ experience and providing clarity during what’s sure to be a tense time.