(Newswire.net — April 23, 2015) Washington, DC — Plumbers 911 in Washington DC has issued a public warning that the latest drop in temperature can wreak havoc on faulty water heating systems. Recently, there was reported case where a faulty water heater caused an attic fire in Coachella, CA. The fire broke out at 12:26 and reportedly caused $30,000 in damages to the property. Although no one was hurt, the fire took a mere 30 minutes to spread throughout the property.
David Welch of Plumbers 911 stated that “The last thing many homeowners think of is a fire starting because of their water heater, especially during winter. But the reality is that cold weather can cause big problems in Water Heating Systems that aren’t regularly maintained.”
Regular water heater maintenance is more important than we might think, so it’s vital that it be checked out by professionals.
Frigid weather temperatures can cause water to freeze in both pipes and inside the heating tank system. Without the right attention, frozen water inside a heater makes it work harder than it has to.
Not all frozen pipes burst, says Jack Taylor of Plumbers 911 Washington DC, “When it does though, it is because the water inside the pipes expand when it freezes. This adds a lot of pressure onto the pipes in your home, and that pressure can be the cause of leaks forming at a joint. It also runs the risk of cracking the pipe, which will unleash a lot of water inside your home once the pipes thaw, especially if it isn’t properly maintained!
Homeowners run the same risk of serious damage if there are any leaks present.”
Frozen pipes are the most common plumbing fatality when colder weather hits. But this common plumbing issue can end up costing homeowners anywhere in the region of $5,000 worth of damages if left unchecked. That is a lot of money to have to part with if you aren’t insured.
Not all the water in your pipes will freeze though and you could wake up to Old Faithful in your basement. The first thing that you need to do when there is a burst pipe in your home is to turn the main water supply off! This will at least minimize any further flooding and damage to your home.
Then, you need to call Plumbers 911!
It helps if you dry out the flooded area with anything that you have at your disposal. Mops, sponges, towel, buckets, even wet/dry vacuum cleaners will help. This is just to prevent mould or mildew from building up around the flooded area. Another tip is to run a dehumidifier until the space is completely dry.
Plumbers 911 also released a video on Hot Water Heaters and regular maintenance of them in your home. We all love being able to have hot water with the flip of a faucet, but when water temperature starts fluctuating, it can mean more than just a cold shower. Leaking tanks are just as hazardous, combining a faulty water heater with electrical components can be a potential catastrophe, which is why it is important have all water heating systems checked out.
With the weather forecasting icy cold weather until Friday, homeowners are being urged to contact local Washington DC plumbers to have their water heating systems inspected for any faults. Technicians are highly trained to perform comprehensive maintenance services on elements, thermostats and the overall integrity of the unit.
The team of Plumbers 911 is available 24/7 in the event of any water heating faults or breakages. Rather than attempting to repair the damage yourself, or waiting for the problem to go away, contact a licensed and insured professional by calling 1-877-7-4LEAKS.