Water Heater and Furnace Setup — Example of Residential Utility Area

How to Avoid Water Damage From Your Water Heater

Nasutsa Mabwa

June 26, 2025

Water 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.

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:

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.

Subscribe now for expert tips, rapid-response insights, and restoration guidance delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you’re recovering from fire, water, or mold damage, stay prepared with advice from the trusted pros at ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons.