A power outage or major storm can disrupt much more than your lights and Wi-Fi – it can also impact the safety and performance of your water heater. Whether you rely on a traditional gas model, electric tank or tankless system, your heater is vulnerable to flooding, power surges, sediment shifts and other weather-related challenges. Taking care of your equipment after a storm can prevent long-term damage, maintain efficiency and keep hot water flowing to your home.
At Parts4WaterHeaters, we specialize in providing homeowners and heating professionals with convenient access to quality replacement components from major brands like A.O. Smith, Camus, Lochinvar, RBI, Baxi and more. If your unit isn't functioning properly after a storm, we’re here to help you find the exact parts you need to make a fast and reliable fix.
Note: Working with water heaters involves serious safety risks. It is always best to work with a professional when inspecting or servicing your system to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your equipment.
1. Start With a Visual Inspection
Before doing anything else, take a moment to inspect your water heater for any signs of damage. Floodwaters and debris can damage both the electrical and gas components of your system. Look for rust or corrosion around the base of the tank, on electrical connectors and near gas lines. A strong storm may also dislodge or damage thermostats, ignition systems and pilot assemblies.
If you notice water where it shouldn’t be, insulation damage or burned wiring, don’t attempt to restart the system. Instead, turn off power and gas to the unit and replace any compromised components.
2. Check Electrical Connections and Reset Switches
If your electric water heater won’t turn back on after power is restored, the high-limit switch may have activated. This manual reset switch is typically located under the upper access panel. Be sure to cut power at the breaker before opening the panel to press the reset button.
If your unit is still not working, the issue may be with the circuit board, display panel or thermostatic control – all of which are susceptible to voltage spikes. We carry a full range of electronic components that meet OEM specifications, so you can safely restore your system to full function.
3. Test Heating Function and Performance
Once your system is back online, test it carefully. Let the heater run for a full cycle and listen for any knocking, gurgling, hissing or other unusual noises. These may indicate sediment movement or internal wear. Check the temperature of the water and note if it takes longer than usual to heat up.
If your system is slow to recover or struggling to maintain temperature, one or more components may be damaged, such as heating elements, anode rods, pressure relief valves, temperature sensors and dip tubes. These parts are all available right here at Parts4WaterHeaters.
4. Flush the Tank or Clean the System
Heavy storms can stir up sediment and minerals within municipal water lines. After a storm, it’s a good idea to flush your system to clear out any contaminants that could clog or damage internal components.
We have the hoses, drain valves, inlet filters and other supplies you need to perform a full flush. This maintenance can extend the life of your heater and ensure proper water flow and heating efficiency.
5. Replace Worn or Flooded Components Promptly
Even if your system seems to be running fine, certain parts may have been compromised. It’s a good idea to replace sensitive components after a severe storm to avoid unexpected breakdowns in the coming weeks. These might include:
- Ignition modules
- Gas control valves
- Electronic thermostats
- Pressure relief valves
- Anode rods
- Heating elements
Replacing vulnerable parts now can prevent larger issues down the line – like leaks, electrical shorts and unit failure.
Get the Replacement Parts You Need – Fast
Storm damage doesn’t have to mean long delays or costly repairs. At Parts4WaterHeaters, we make it easy to get the right parts, right when you need them. With our expert customer support and fast shipping, you’ll have everything you need to get your water heater back in working order – on time and on budget.
Start exploring our inventory today or reach out to our team by calling 800-536-1582. At Parts4WaterHeaters, we’re here to help you keep the hot water flowing – no matter what the weather brings.
