getting standing water out fast
Water Heater Leak Cleanup in Owasso, OK
Water heater leaking? Shut off the cold supply and call (918) 972-3163
When a water heater tank fails, it can empty onto the floor and keep refilling until the supply is shut off. Our water heater leak cleanup in Owasso removes the water, checks the walls and flooring around the heater and dries everything it reached.
Garages, utility closets and atticsWalls and floors next to the heaterPhotos and readings for your insurance
What should you do if your water heater is leaking?
Shut off the cold water supply to the heater, turn off its power or gas, and keep away from hot water. Then catch what you can, take photos and call a plumber and us.
Shut off the cold water supply. Turn the valve on the cold pipe at the top of the heater. If you can't reach it, shut off the main water.
Turn off the power or gas. For an electric heater, switch off its breaker. For a gas heater, turn the gas control to off or pilot.
Keep away from hot water. Water from the tank can be hot enough to scald.
Move belongings away from the water, especially boxes stored on the garage floor.
Take photos of the heater, where it's leaking and the water on the floor.
Call a plumber to repair or replace the heater, and call us to dry the area.
Where is your water heater leaking from?
| Where it leaks | Likely cause | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom of the tank | Tank corroded through | The heater usually needs to be replaced |
| Top fittings or pipes | Loose or worn connections | Often repairable by a plumber |
| Relief valve or its pipe | Too much pressure or heat, or a failing valve | Needs a plumber's check right away |
| Drain valve near the bottom | Worn or loose valve | Often repairable |
| Pooling with no clear source | Condensation or a nearby pipe | Check before assuming the tank failed |
What are the warning signs before a water heater fails?
Rust-colored hot water or rust on the tank
Rumbling or popping sounds from sediment
A small puddle or damp spot under the heater
Water in the drain pan
Hot water running out faster than it used to
An older heater that has never been flushed or checked
Where does the water go in Owasso homes?
In many Owasso homes the water heater sits in the garage. A leak floods the garage slab, then wicks into the bottom of the wall shared with the house, often next to a laundry room or kitchen. Heaters in a hall or utility closet soak the hallway carpet and nearby rooms. Heaters in an attic leak through the ceiling below.
How do we clean up water heater flooding?
Confirm the water and power or gas are off.
Extract standing water from the floor, carpet and pad.
Check the walls and floors around the heater with moisture meters and thermal imaging, including the room on the other side of the wall.
Remove soaked materials that can't be dried, like the bottom of the drywall or carpet pad.
Dry the area with air movers and dehumidifiers until readings are dry.
Coordinate with your plumber on the heater replacement.
Who replaces the water heater, and who fixes the water damage?
A plumber repairs or replaces the water heater. We handle the water damage around it: the floor, walls, cabinets and anything else the water reached. Starting the drying while the plumber works keeps the damage from spreading.
Does homeowners insurance cover a leaking water heater?
Water damage from a water heater that suddenly bursts is often covered. The water heater itself usually isn't, because it wore out with age. Damage from a slow leak that went on for a long time may not be covered. Check your policy. Read more: Water damage insurance claims in Owasso
Related help
Frequently asked questions
Is a leaking water heater dangerous?
It can be. The water can be hot enough to burn, a gas heater can have gas or venting problems, and water near an electric heater or outlet is a shock risk. Turn off the power or gas and the water supply, keep children and pets away, and let a plumber check the heater.
Can a leaking water heater be repaired?
Leaks from fittings, pipes or valves can often be repaired. A leak from the tank itself usually can't, and the heater needs to be replaced. Your plumber will tell you which it is.
My water heater is only leaking a little. Can it wait?
A small leak can turn into a big one without warning, especially when the tank itself is leaking. Shut off the cold supply, put a pan or towels down and call a plumber soon. Check the wall and floor around it for moisture, because slow leaks soak in unseen.
Won't the drain pan protect my floor?
A drain pan catches small drips and slow leaks. It can't hold a tank that bursts or a steady leak, and many pans overflow once water reaches the rim. If the pan has water in it, the heater is already leaking.
Can a garage water heater leak damage the house?
Yes. Water on the garage slab wicks into the bottom of the wall shared with the house and can reach the laundry room, kitchen or hallway on the other side. That side of the wall should be checked for moisture even if it looks dry.
Do tankless water heaters leak?
They can, usually from fittings, valves or the unit itself. A tankless leak is often smaller, but it can run for a long time inside a wall or closet before it's noticed.
Water heater leaking in your Owasso home? Call now.
Shut off the cold supply, turn off the power or gas, and call us before the water soaks into the walls.
Serving Owasso, Collinsville, Claremore, Catoosa and nearby areas
Water damage in your Owasso home? Call now.
Every hour water sits, it spreads further into your home. Call us, tell us what happened, and we will help you take the right next step.
Call (918) 972-3163