Your home may be at risk of becoming one of the thousands of homes that are damaged by a water heater flood each year. Unfortunately most homeowners do not think about what they can do to prevent a water heater flood but there are steps you can take to help prevent your home from flooding. American Hometown Services has some simple tips for you try!

How Often to Change Anode Rod in Water Heater to Help Prevent a Flood

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety reported that the number one cause of water heater flood is homeowners ignoring needed maintenance on their water heaters. If you are like most homeowners you probably do not even realize that your water heater requires maintenance. One of the parts of the water heater that you will want to inspect is the anode rod. The anode rod is unique because it is designed to deteriorate. The purpose of the anode rod is to deteriorate so that your water heater tank does not deteriorate. As it deteriorates rust begins to form in the tank of your water heater. This rust can weaken your tank. Experts recommend that you replace your anode rod around the time that your water heater warranty expires. If you do not know how to replace the anode rod you can search online for tutorials or reach out to a professional.

T&P Valve on Water Heater Leaking?

All water heaters have a temperature and pressure relief valve, or T&P valve for short. The T&P valve is designed to open when a there is a sufficient amount of pressure in the water heater. When the valve opens heated water is able to spill out of the system which in turn relieves the pressure in the tank and helps lower the volume as well. The T&P valve is an integral part of your water heater. If the pressure in the tank continues to build endlessly your water heater can actually explode. Sometimes hard-water deposits form on the valve and make it so that it does not fulfill its important function. You will want to “exercise” your T&P valve two times a year. To exercise the valve you simply need to open the valve for about five seconds and then close it again. Doing this simple test will verify that the valve is able to perform its important function.

How to Flush Water Heater Sediment

The third thing that you can do to maintain your water heater is to flush your water heater. As your water heater performs its regular function sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank. The sediment settles at the bottom of the unit it causes your water to be insulated from the burner at the bottom of the tank. This insulation makes it harder to heat the water properly and your water heater has to run longer to perform its duties. When the water heater is working overtime it may become overheated. Overheated water tanks can cause a leak. Flushing your water heater will ensure that you functions properly.

Flood & Water Damage Clean Up, Restoration & More in Quincy, Macomb, Hamilton, Warsaw & East Alton Illinois | Hannibal, Missouri

There are also water sensors that you can install near your water heater that will notify you if a leak does begin. This newer technology allows homeowners to notice a leak right when it begins and prevent a bad situation from getting worse. Continued maintenance on your water heater should help your water heater from flooding your house. If you take proper care to replace the anode rod, check your T&P valve, flush your water heater, and install a water sensor, you are definitely reducing the risk of your home being damaged due to water heater flooding. If you do find yourself with a water leak give American Hometown Services a call. We can come out and take care of your water damage restoration needs by restoring your home to what it was before or remodeling it to be even better!