When your hot water heater suddenly bursts, not only is the problem inconvenient for your family, but it can be detrimental to your home if not quickly remedied. Luckily, if you know how to handle the situation, the issue can be fixed in a matter of days. To ensure your home stays safe during this period, you’ll need to contact a reliable plumber in the area and take steps to minimize the damage. 

Here is what you should do if your hot water heater bursts:

• Shut Off Your Water Supply: When your hot water heater is running effectively, it is designed to shut off when it is full. However, when the tank bursts, the water continues to run until the main valve is shut off. To stop the flow and minimize the damage to your home, find the cold water supply line and turn the valve to the off position. Proceed with caution as it can be very dangerous to deal with flooding and a faulty appliance. If you’re not confident you can do the job yourself, call your local plumbing services immediately. 
• Turn Off the Power Lines: Water and electricity don’t mix. Remember that your hot water heater is equipped with a heating mechanism that must be addressed to avoid a major shock or fire damage. When you realize the water heater has burst, quickly turn off the corresponding breaker to eliminate risk of personal injury or fire in your home. 
• Call the Professionals: When a burst occurs, you’ll need to bring in a plumber to assess the damage. Many homeowners assume they can tackle the job alone, but even those with some industry knowledge benefit from an expert inspection to determine if repairs or appliance replacement is necessary. Once you’ve spoken with a professional, you can file an accurate claim with your insurance company. 

In Perry, NY, Harding Plumbing and Heating is well known for providing quality, comprehensive repairs and maintenance. Whether you’re dealing with a hot water heater issue or a poor HVAC system, their highly-trained technicians will promptly diagnose and fix the problem. You can reach out to the team online or call a representative at (585) 237-5561 today to schedule an appointment.