The usual suspects in a Henderson home
- Tank water heaters. Very hard water builds sediment in the tank, which shortens its life. Many Las Vegas Valley homes keep the heater in the garage, so a failure floods the garage floor and often wets the shared wall and the closet or laundry behind it.
- AC condensate lines and drain pans. Air conditioners run hard for months here. When the condensate line clogs, water overflows the pan. If the air handler is in the attic, the first sign is often a ceiling stain.
- Washing machines. Rubber fill hoses crack with age and can release a lot of water quickly. Upstairs laundry rooms, common in newer two-story homes, put the ceiling below at risk.
- Refrigerator ice-maker and water lines. Thin supply tubing behind the fridge can drip for weeks, rotting the subfloor or soaking the slab before anyone notices.
- Dishwashers, sinks and toilets. Failed supply lines, cracked toilet tanks and worn wax rings are steady sources of hidden damage.
What to do right now
- Shut off the water. Water heaters have a cold-water valve on top. Toilets and sinks have an angle stop underneath. If you cannot find one, close the home's main valve.
- For a gas water heater, turn the gas control to "off" or "pilot." For an electric one, switch off its breaker.
- Move belongings off wet floors and take photos.
- Open the garage door or windows to vent humid air, then call for help to check what is wet behind walls and cabinets.
Slow leaks are the ones that cost more
A sudden burst is obvious. A drip under a sink or behind a refrigerator is not, and by the time warped cabinets or a musty smell appear, mold may have started. Insurance policies also treat long-term leaks differently from sudden ones. If you notice swelling, staining or odor, have the area checked with a moisture meter.
Water Heater & Appliance Leaks coverage by ZIP code
Referrals for water heater & appliance leaks are available in these Henderson ZIP codes:
Questions about water heater & appliance leaks
Does insurance cover a leaking water heater?
Policies often cover the water damage from a sudden tank failure but not the cost of the water heater itself. Damage from a slow, long-term leak may be excluded. Ask your insurer.
My ceiling is stained under the attic AC. Is that water damage?
Very likely. A clogged condensate line or rusted drain pan is a common cause. Turn the AC off at the thermostat to stop more water, and have the ceiling and insulation checked.
Can a garage water heater leak damage the house?
Yes. Water spreads across the garage slab and can wick into the drywall and framing of the shared wall, and under the door into the house.