Why Water Heaters Fail in Salem

Most residential water heaters last 10 to 15 years before the tank begins to corrode from the inside. Salem's water has enough mineral content to accelerate rust, especially if the anode rod was never replaced. Once the tank wall develops a pinhole leak, it will only get worse. Pressure relief valves also fail over time, which can cause leaks at the top of the tank. Some leaks start slow, others rupture suddenly. Either way, the solution is the same: shut off the water supply and remove the water before it causes structural damage.

Immediate Steps to Take

Turn off the water supply valve at the top of the tank. It's usually a blue or red handle that turns clockwise to close. If you have a gas water heater, turn off the gas supply. If it's electric, shut off the breaker. Move anything valuable away from the water and start removing standing water with towels or a wet vacuum. Do not wait for the floor to dry naturally. Water wicks into drywall, baseboards, and subfloor within hours, and once those materials stay wet for more than 48 hours, mold begins growing.

Professional Water Extraction and Drying

We arrive with commercial extractors that pull water from carpet, padding, and hard floors. Moisture meters tell us how far water traveled into walls and subflooring. High-velocity air movers and dehumidifiers get placed to create airflow through wet materials and pull moisture out of porous surfaces. We monitor levels daily and adjust equipment as needed. If drywall or subfloor stayed wet too long, we remove it to prevent hidden mold. The goal is to return moisture levels to normal and verify everything is dry before closing up the space.

Insurance Coverage for Water Heater Failures

Water heater failures are almost always covered as sudden and accidental discharge of water. We document the source, photograph the damage, and create a detailed moisture map showing all affected areas. Our team prepares a line-item estimate and works with your adjuster to ensure approval. We also provide daily moisture logs that prove mitigation was immediate and thorough, which protects your claim from delays or denials.

If your water heater is leaking, shut off the water and call us now. We'll extract the water, dry your home, and handle your insurance claim so you can focus on replacing the tank.