Water Heater Leaked or Burst? Cleanup Steps for Long Island and NYC Homes

If your water heater is leaking or has burst, shut off its water and power, keep out of the standing water, and call (516) 620-5400. A person answers, and we tell you on the call when our crew will be there. The steps below limit the damage until help arrives.

What to do right away

1. Turn off the power or gas to the heater. For an electric unit, use the breaker, but only if you can reach the panel without stepping in water. For a gas unit, turn the gas valve to off. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility.
2. Close the cold water supply valve on the pipe feeding the heater. This stops new water from flowing in.
3. Stay out of standing water. Hot water can scald, and water near outlets or the electrical panel is an electrocution risk.
4. Photograph everything before you move or clean anything: the heater, the water line on walls, wet belongings, and the floor.
5. Move what you can to a dry area, such as boxes, rugs and furniture that are not touching deep water.

Why a water heater leak does more damage than it looks like

A standard tank holds dozens of gallons. When a tank fails, that water goes straight to the floor, usually in a basement, utility closet or laundry room. Water then spreads under walls into drywall, insulation, carpet and subfloor.

Slow leaks are a different problem. A dripping fitting or a corroded tank bottom can wet the same spot for weeks. By the time you notice, there may be warped flooring, soft drywall or a musty smell.

What a restoration crew does

• Extracts standing water with pumps and extractors.
• Checks for hidden moisture in walls, flooring and insulation with moisture meters.
• Sets up drying equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers, and monitors the readings until materials are dry.
• Removes materials that cannot be dried, such as soaked drywall or carpet padding.
• Documents the loss with photos and moisture readings for your insurance claim.

If you want to know more about the process, read our guide on water extraction and what to expect and the one on how long water damage takes to dry.

Replace the heater after the water is handled

Do not wait on drying until a new heater is installed. A licensed plumber can replace or repair the unit, and restoration can run at the same time. Ask the plumber to note the cause of failure, since your insurer may ask for it.

Mold after a water heater leak

If a wet area stays damp, mold can follow. Fast drying is the best prevention. If you already see or smell mold, our crew is a NYS licensed mold remediation contractor. Mold testing and assessment are done by a separate licensed assessor, as state law requires.

Insurance

Take photos, keep receipts, and call your insurance company soon after the leak. Many policies cover sudden water damage but may exclude the heater itself or long-term seepage. We work directly with your insurance company and your adjuster to document the damage.

Call for water heater leak cleanup

Aqua-Pro Restoration handles emergency water damage across Long Island, NYC and nearby counties. Call (516) 620-5400, any hour. See our water damage restoration service for more.

Is water from a leaking water heater dangerous?

It can be. The water may be hot enough to scald, and the heater is wired to electricity or gas. Stay out of standing water near the unit, and do not touch the heater or nearby outlets until the power is off from a dry spot.

Will homeowners insurance cover a burst water heater?

Many policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, but often not the heater itself or damage from slow leaks over time. Check your policy and talk to your adjuster. We work directly with your insurance company and your adjuster, and we document the damage with photos.

How fast should a flooded water heater closet or basement be dried?

As fast as possible. Wet drywall, insulation and flooring can start growing mold if they stay damp, so water extraction and drying should begin the same day you find the leak.