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Any item that can hold on to moisture and encourage mold growth should be discarded and replaced following water damage. Upholstered items, such as armchairs and couches, and soft items, such as mattresses, usually must be thrown away once they've taken on a lot of water. Soft furniture is difficult to dry out, creating an inviting environment for mold.

You may also need to replace hardwood furniture following water damage if you're unable to fully dry it out. If you have appliances and electronics that have been fully submerged in water, particularly sewage, you'll need to replace those, too.

Every city and state will have its own set of installation codes and laws. Some won’t require you to obtain a permit before replacing your water heater, though we recommend you do, regardless of the local codes. On the other hand, some cities and states might require secondary permits for plumbing and electrical work related to the installation. Check with a local water heater installation company and local building codes to confirm which permits are required and what the specific laws are.

While a water heater explosion is rare, it is a serious danger. Be aware of these critical warning signs:

• Sulfur or Rotten Egg Smell: This is a major red flag, especially for gas water heaters. It can indicate a gas leak, which could ignite and cause an explosion.

• Leaking Pressure Valve: If the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is leaking, it may not be able to properly regulate internal pressure, creating a risk of bursting.

• Shaking or Rumbling: Loud rumbling or shaking from the tank can be a sign of extreme pressure buildup.

• Excessive Heat: If the exterior of the water heater feels unusually hot to the touch, the unit may be overheating dangerously.

• Rust-Colored Water: This can be a symptom of severe internal corrosion that compromises the tank's integrity.

If you notice any of these signs, especially a gas smell, you must act immediately. Shut off the gas supply to the water heater and call a professional plumber right away to prevent a potential disaster.

It is very difficult and dangerous to install your own water heater, so we strongly recommend against tackling this as a DIY project. Not only will you need to wire your water heater, but you’ll also need to connect plumbing to the intake and outlet. Sweating copper pipes and connecting wiring properly are skills most DIYers don’t have, and even if you do feel confident you can do it, working with water and electricity always leaves the potential for electrocution. Hiring a local water heater installer is well worth the investment.