Beware of Basement Flooding

9/5/2021 (Permalink)

Basement flooding can cause a major headache, especially if you use your basement as a storage area or an additional living space.

The first line of defense to protect your basement is to ensure that you’re completing preventative maintenance on your plumbing, heating, and sewage systems and on your hot water tank. Most often, we get calls for water in the basement due to a hot water heater burst.

According to an article on Plumbing Today there are three main reasons why your hot water heater burst:

1. Sediment Build-Up – This can cause overheating and deterioration. Sediment build up can be prevented by flushing and draining the tank. 
2. Rust Corroding the Tank – Over time, water can cause your tank to rust. Your water heater comes with an internal anode rod, which should be replaced once every two years and at least annually when the warranty on the heater has expired.
3. Too Much Internal Pressure – Pressure can build up in the tank when you set the water heater temp too high. Make sure you’re frequently testing your T&P valve at least twice a year to prevent accidents.

Overall, preventative maintenance can be the difference between a minor repair and a major disaster. In case of an emergency, SERVPRO of Marion/Middleborough is prepared to be faster to any size disaster.