Nation’s Leading Public Adjusters Offer Tips to Prevent Water Damage due to Leaking Water Heaters

Earlier this month, it was reported that a leak from a water heater released approximately 2,000 gallons of water at a County Government Center in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.  The water leak impacted about 12,000 square feet of the building and the cost to repair the damage has been estimated at approximately $100,000.

All of this damage was caused by a leaking 30-gallon water heater.  Water heaters aren’t designed to last forever and they are a common cause of property damage due to water leaks.  These leaks can take the form of a slow leak that may go unnoticed for some time or result in a catastrophic leak as occurred at the government building.

“Fortunately, there are steps people can take to minimize the risk of a water heater causing damage to their home or business,” said Douglas Waldie, President of Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC.  “The first thing people need to do is regularly inspect the water heater and the pipes around the unit for any signs of leakage, moisture, mold, mineral buildup and corrosion.  Some experts recommend flushing the tank twice a year to eliminate sediment buildup that can occur in the tank.  An inexpensive drip pan placed below the water heater that drains to the outside of the property can help prevent thousands of dollars in water damage in many cases.  Also, keep in mind that many water heater manufacturers estimate the life span of a water heater to be 8 to 12 years so replacing a unit when it is near the end of its useful life can potentially prevent damage from ever occurring.”

Property damage due to leaking water heaters results in countless insurance claims each year. If a leak goes unnoticed, even a small water damaging event can quickly escalate into a major claim. For anyone faced with a water damage claim, the professionals at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters offer their clients comprehensive insurance claim settlement services.  These services help to ensure that their clients obtain a fair and comprehensive settlement to properly repair any damages in a timely manner.