How to Contain Damage From a Water Heater Flood

Shut off the gas supply from the main if you have a gas-fired water heater.

Shut off the electrical supply to the room that houses the water heater. Do not touch the electrical panel or breaker box if you cannot access it because you'd have to stand in water to do so. If water covers the floor near the breaker box, call your local utility company.

Turn off the water supply valve, which is located near the top of the water heater. If you cannot find a shut-off valve, turn off the main water supply to the house. Shutting off the supply valve prevents more water from entering the storage tank and moving right through to the floor. If you have a tankless water heater, turning off the water supply will stop the leak entirely.

Create a circle of towels, old rags or bed sheets around the water heater to stop the water from spreading. If the water already covers the entire floor, skip this step.

Suck up the water, using a wet-dry vacuum. If you do not have a wet-dry vacuum, soak up water with rags, blankets or towels. If the water is deep, submerge a pump into the water and direct the hose out through a window or door to flow outside the house.

Remove all wet items, especially papers, cardboard and textiles, from the area and dispose of them or place them outside to dry. Remove all items in danger of becoming wet.

Open windows and doors in the wet area to provide adequate ventilation. Set up large fans to promote air circulation and to speed up the drying process.