Water Heaters and Home Insurance

We take cars in for oil changes, we go to doctors for physicals and we winterize our homes and cars. But, when did you last check the health of your water heater?

Why would we care about your water heater? Because if the health of a water heater is neglected, that water heater can cause significant damage to your home. Then you have to file a claim and you lose money because you have to pay the deductible. But you can avoid that damage and keep your premiums lower simply by paying attention to the health of your water heater. It’s suggested you have your water heater inspected each year, just as you have your heater and air conditioning inspected each year.

• Leaks: Check around your water heater for leaks. If you notice leaks, have a qualified plumber inspect it. Wouldn’t you rather fix the leak, or replace the water heater now, than wait for it to rupture and cause significant damage? A minor leak can be easily fixed. If you ignore the leak, then it could become a bigger leak and cause damage.
• Anodes: Your water heater has anodes. These are tubes that are in the middle of your tank and they keep the water tank from rusting. Over time, the anodes are consumed by the chemicals in your water and then the chemicals attack your tank. Have a qualified plumber check the anodes in your water heater before they are gone and your water heater is damaged. For most water heaters, the anodes will last 6 years. However, if you have a water softener, be prepared to replace the anodes every year.
• Sediment: Sediment can build up in your water tank and eventually cause the bottom of the water heater to just drop off. Sediment can be controlled by annually draining the tank. You can ask a plumber, or get the directions off the Internet. Not controlling the sediment means in a few second you have gallons of water on your floors or garage floor.

Why are we spending time talking about your water heater? Because if your water heater is inside, a ruptured water heater means gallons of water on the floor, being soaked up by the walls and damaging furniture. Even if the water heater is in a garage, a ruptured water heater can cause damage to the walls. Remember, the water won’t just be in the water heater, but can be a continuous flow from the pipes filling the water heater.

So, avoid the problems of a ruptured water heater and take time for the three things you can do to check on the health of your water heater to avoid having to file water damage claims for your home. Be proactive, check your water heater’s health and keep your home insurance premiums low.

Protect you home from the unexpected. Call Amco Insurance for more information on home insurance.