Everyone ignores their water heater – until it is too late. But if you pay attention, you may be able to pick up on some clues that indicate your water heater may be headed toward trouble.

It’s best to catch a simple problem ahead of time, because when a water heater blows, it can cause plenty of water damage that could cost you a lot of money. That is why it’s best to understand how to spot the potential trouble.

The chances of your water heater exploding are remote. Although it has occurred – and can cause tremendous damage – that isn’t likely to happen.

More often than not, damage incurred from water heaters is due to a leak. If you see brown water come out of your faucets, or if your hot water smells like rotten eggs, this may indicate that the tank inside the water heater is corroded. This sign of weakness in the appliance can make it easier to rupture or leak – even explode.

And if you see any leaks around the water heater that have puddled or accumulated on the floor, it is important to call a plumber to investigate the matter. A trained plumber will be able to diagnose the problem with your water heater and offer a solution. It may be as simple as flushing the sediment from the tank or a loose connection. But it may be time to replace your water heater – and it’s better to get ahead of the problem.

However, if you have had damage due to a leak – or flood – caused by your water heater, it is imperative to call a trained water restoration professional. The technicians at “In First Restoration” can clean up the water damage, dry out your space and make sure it’s ready for the new unit.

If you do have water damage, don’t try to clean it up on your own. Water restoration professionals can restore your home and ensure there’s no chance for dangerous mold to grow in hidden areas. 

If you haven’t walked by your water heater lately, take a minute to give it a quick glance. If you see a problem, call your plumber. If you don’t have a plumber, don’t worry – First In Restoration has a partnership with an emergency plumber who is available 24/7, so call us first and we can help connect you with the right professional.

And if it’s become a big problem, call First In Restoration to clean up the mess from your water heater leak: (678) 483-7284

If the weatherman is predicting heavy rains – or even a tropical storm – in your area, you know there’s a good chance that you’ll be dealing with cleanup issues. But there are steps you can take to mitigate the amount of damage incurred. In fact, with the proper preventative measures, you might avoid it altogether.

So what are some smart steps to take to help prevent water damage in case of an impending storm? Here are a few ideas that could possibly save you some time – and money.

Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear. By removing the debis (leaves, old Frisbees, pizza boxes for Breaking Bad afficionados) you can make sure the water flows. Then, make sure the downspouts extend away from the house so the water will be dispersed in the appropriate places.
Take a look at the roof and make sure there are no missing shingles. If you see edges that are lifted up, take time to nail them down or repair them. Double-check the flashing around the chimney and the ventilation fans to make sure they’re in good condition and have the appropriate seal.

Make sure the soil is sloped away from the foundation. In extreme cases you might want to consider grabbing some sandbags.

Since you want to prevent the water from sneaking into the house, close and lock everything – a locked door has a tighter seal. If you have older windows, consider using a plastic sheet and painter’s tape to secure them.

Don’t forget the garage. If your driveway slopes down, put sandbags at the entrance. And, just to be sure, get everything off the floor. You could use a rack or an old wooden pallet, the kind that businesses will just throw away.

Don’t forget to have extra buckets and tarps ready – along with plenty of towels. (Keep that wet vac handy, too, just in case you need it.)

Once the storm is over, take a quick inventory of any damage. You’ll want to check the roof for possible leaks and you’ll want to dispose of any wet material as soon as possible – because failure to do so can lead to mold. Start running fans and dehumidifiers as soon as possible to dry things out.

Hopefully you’ll avoid damage from Mother Nature’s latest incident, but if you have storm or water damage, the next step should be to reach out to a trained water mitigation specialist. Make that call first and the trained technician can help examine the damage and help walk you through the process of filing an insurance claim. That could help you get the most possible money from your insurance claim.

If your home or business has storm or water damage, call First In Restoration first. Our trained team can assess the damage, help dry out the affected areas, document the restoration process, and guide you through the next steps.

Call First In Restoration today: (678) 483-7284

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: First In Restoration Joins Can Can Poker Tournament to Fight Hunger

ATLANTA – First In Restoration has joined the effort to provide meals for the needy by making a commitment to be a Grand Prize Sponsor for the Can Can Poker Tournament, which benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

The donation from First In Restoration will provide up to 5,250 meals for needy families in the Atlanta area.

The Can Can Poker Tournament will be Aug. 21 at the Maggiano’s Little Italy in Cumberland.

“First In Restoration is all about helping people in distress and we’re proud to do our part to help people in need,” First In Restoration founder David King said. “Just like our company is all about being able to help homeowners, business owners and companies in distress, we want to help ensure that no one goes to sleep hungry.”

The event, presented by the Atlanta Apartment Association, will offer an array of options, from high-stakes tables to friendly games with players of all skill levels. It is a great opportunity to test your skills and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow poker enthusiasts.

“It’s going to be a fun night and we’re going to help raise a lot of money for the Atlanta Community Food Bank,” King said. “I encourage all poker players to sign up and enjoy a great night that will help a lot of people.”

King and Colin Ogg, director of operations at First In Restoration, will present the awards to the winning players.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank works with more than 700 community-based non-profit partners to distribute food in 29 counties across metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Last year the Atlanta Community Food Bank distributed enough food to provide 112 million meals.

ABOUT FIRST IN RESTORATION

First In Restoration was founded in 2024 by David King, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. First In Restoration specializes in water damage restoration, mold removal and fire-damage remediation for residential, multi-family dwellings and commercial buildings throughout Georgia.

First In Restoration is an Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified firm and holds certification in water, fire, odor and mold removal and is a member of Restoration Industry Association, and the Atlanta Apartment Association.

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For more information contact First In Restoration at (678) 483-7284 or visit FirstInRestoration.com.

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