How to Avoid Water Damage From Your Water Heater
Nasutsa Mabwa
June 26, 2025Water heaters are one of the most common sources of residential water damage. Learn how to avoid disaster and what to do if your unit fails.
Water heaters are often out of sight, out of mind—until they fail. When they do, they can release hundreds of gallons of water, flooding your home and causing extensive damage.
At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we have witnessed the devastation caused by ruptured water heaters in homes across Chicago, the North Shore, Lake, and DuPage counties. The key is prevention.
Why Water Heaters Fail
Most traditional tank-style water heaters have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years. As they age, they can corrode, crack, or burst.
Common failure causes include:
- Corrosion inside the tank
- Excess pressure from overheating
- Weak or damaged fittings and connections
When these failures occur, water continues to flow until the supply is shut off, soaking floors, walls, and belongings.
Warning Signs of a Failing Water Heater
- Leaking at the base or top of the unit
- Rusty or discolored water
- Decreased hot water temperature or inconsistent heating
- Unusual noises like rumbling or banging
How to Prevent Water Damage
- Inspect regularly: Look for leaks, rust, and pooling water.
- Address small leaks immediately: Call a plumber at the first sign of trouble.
- Consider relocating your water heater to a garage or utility area, if possible.
- Install a leak detection system: These systems can automatically shut off water if a leak is detected.
- Upgrade to tankless: Tankless systems eliminate the risk of a tank rupture.
What to Do If Your Water Heater Fails
If disaster strikes, call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons immediately.
We provide:
- Residential Water Damage Restoration
- Commercial Water Damage Restoration
- Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Specialty Cleaning
- Commercial Restoration
We use advanced extraction, drying, and dehumidification equipment to minimize damage and speed recovery.
Contact us today for immediate assistance.
About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is part of the nation’s oldest restoration brand, founded in Chicago in 1929. With over 40 years of local expertise, we serve the Chicago area, the North Shore, Lake, and DuPage County.
We offer:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Specialty Cleaning
- Commercial Restoration
We proudly serve communities including Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Logan Square, West Loop, Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, and Lake Forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my water heater is about to fail?
Look for leaks, rust-colored water, unusual noises, and a decline in hot water performance.
Where should I install my water heater to reduce damage risk?
In areas like a garage or utility space with proper drainage, away from finished living areas.
Is a tankless water heater safer?
Yes. Tankless systems reduce the risk of significant water damage since they don’t store large volumes of water.
What should I do first if my water heater bursts?
Shut off the water supply if it’s safe and call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons immediately for cleanup.
Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO and co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE firm proudly serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties in Illinois. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of disaster restoration services, including water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, and mold remediation for residential and commercial clients.
A recognized civic and business leader, Nasutsa is a recipient of the 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award, a Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award recipient. She currently serves as a Civic Federation Board Member, an Advisory Board Member, and is the Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud member of the WPO - Women's President Organization.
Nasutsa holds IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), bringing both strategic leadership and technical expertise to every project.
She is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset from Water and Fire Disasters — a practical, accessible book for homeowners based on real-world experience in the restoration industry.
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Flooded basement? Burst pipe? Don’t wait—water damage spreads fast. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides 24/7 emergency water damage cleanup for Chicagoland and North Shore homes. With 40+ years of local expertise and IICRC-certified crews, we’ll protect your property and start the restoration immediately.
(773) 376-1110
(773) 376-1110
