Even though Las Vegas is known for mild winters, water heater damage and the subsequent leaks that accompany that damage are very real threats to locals. Many people tend to let the maintenance of their water heater slide to the bottom of their to-do list until it’s too late, and end up spending thousands of dollars for repairs and cleanup costs. We want to make sure that you don’t become one of these unlucky people by giving you some tips on how to prevent water heater damage this winter.
Water heater damage can be devastating to your home, not only because you can’t take hour long hot showers where you ponder life’s greatest questions anymore, but also because it can cause serious structural and cosmetic damage within minutes. Homeowner’s insurance frequently covers water damage from leaks and burst pipes, but a damaged water heater can still ruin electronics, carpeting, furniture, and more that your insurance doesn’t cover. Whether it’s a burst pipe, cracked heater, or just a pilot light going out, water heater damage is something that can be easily avoided.
One of the easiest ways to avoid damage is, of course, to prevent it. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and calling our experts ahead of time to make sure that your water heater is up to snuff for the holidays is the single best way to make sure you’re not left taking cold showers when it’s frosty outside. You can also do a visual inspection yourself, which we recommend before any holiday trips. Make sure to look over every part of your water heater and inspect for cracks, leaks, or rust. Any of these three can cause major issues and are easily taken care of in their early stages. Remember, tank-style water heaters only have a lifespan of about 10 years, which means that if you know that your home has not had a new water heater within about 10 years, it might be a good idea to replace it.
Taking another sensible precaution would be installing water leak sensors around your house. These handy devices can detect varying degrees of water concentrations, and go off of the moisture in the home. Since Las Vegas is an extremely dry climate, their accuracy is incredible and they remain extremely useful in making sure that in case something goes wrong, you catch it before it becomes a major problem. They can range anywhere from $30 – $150+ each, so check costs before investing to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
If you’re going to be leaving your home for anything more than about three full days, turning off the main water supply might be a smart choice. Because of the mild winters Las Vegas has, your pipes will almost never be in danger of freezing but are still in danger of cracks, leaks, or rust. Turning off your water is a safe way to ensure that you will not be stuck coming home from vacation with either not enough water since your water heater stopped working, or too much water since your water heater leaked all over your home.
These are only a few ways to save yourself some hassle and avoid water damage in your home over the winter holidays. To get the best information for your specific equipment and home situation, we always recommend giving us a call. We’re here to help make sure your holidays go off without a hitch!
