Water Damage From Hot Water Tank In Oak Lawn IL

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your basement call us 24/7 365 days a year

A Water Damage Emergency

A number of emergency calls that we receive are from homeowners who were away on vacation and came home to a flood in their basement.  There have been a few different reasons, sump pump failing, pipe breaks from a floor above, or maybe the hot water tank decided to start leaking.  

A water heater typically lasts between 8-12 years if it is maintained properly.  You can prevent rust and corrosion by flushing out the sediment at the bottom of the tank.  This may also help the overall efficiency of the unit. If you are unsure about the age of your water heater, you can call your local plumber to come out and do an inspection of it for you. 

if you do come home from vacation to a basement full of water for any reason, call us 24/7 (708) 239-1444 and we can help. 

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.