Certified in Disaster Restoration

2/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is certified in:  

• Water Damage Restoration
• Applied Microbial Remediation
• Trauma & Crime Scene 
• Applied Structural Drying
• Fire 7 Smoke Restoration

And more!

When it comes to disaster restoration, trust the pros -- SERVPRO. 

Method IN the Madness

2/19/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, it can feel like chaos has taken over and settled in your home or office. When you call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford for the water damage restoration, you may think our technicians careless place our specialized drying equipment throughout the room. However, the location of each of your equipment is intentional and strategically placed for the most efficient use of drying time.

This means, we just don’t bring our equipment in and set it down, we have a method in the madness of the aftermath of a disaster. Our drying equipment is placed in strategic locations to create a vortex to ensure the drying time is complete and thorough. 

So while you may not understand why our IICRC certified technicians are moving around our equipment during the drying process, it’s important that our LGRs, dehumidifiers, and air movers are strategically placed to minimize the drying time all while effectively drying your home.

Let 'Clean' Continue Post-Pandemic

2/19/2022 (Permalink)

After almost two years, we can finally start to put the pandemic in our rearview. But just because it may be past us, doesn't mean we shouldn't carry to a few cleanliness and safety precautions into the future, post-pandemic world. 

When it comes to re-opening your office or place of work after a pandemic, you don’t just want to use your regular cleaning company to wipe down your keyboards and door handles. You also don’t want to put your employees at risk by having them clean it themselves. 

To ensure the safety and peace of mind for yourself and your employees as they return to their workplaces, you want to make sure your office or commercial building is not only clean but disinfected as well. 

SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford is more than just a cleanup company. One of our specialities include biohazard remediation of all kinds. This means that our technicians are trained and prepared to biohazard disasters, including the disinfection of viral pathogens such as COVID-19 pandemic with our proprietary, hospital-grade, CDC approved disinfectant, SERVPROXIDE™. 

Not only are we able and well-equipped to handle all of your commercial disinfection needs, but you’re also able to confidently say that your location has been cleaned and disinfected by a professional cleaning company certified by the IICRC. 

For all disinfection questions, call the green team, SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford 509-999-2380

Something Smells... BAD

2/19/2022 (Permalink)

Osmophobia is the fear of bad smells. So if you’ve ever been in a room you couldn’t get out of with a horrible stench, chances are you’ve felt attacked by the odor in air. While the smell is creeping in and taking over the room, your first inclination is to get out! But what if that room happens to be your home or office and you can’t exactly “run away” from the smell?

That’s when you decide to fight back. 

Not just by lighting a candle or plugging in a diffuser, some smells need to be kicked out, not masked!

Which is why SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford offers deodorization services on top of the many clean-up and restoration services we provide. Not only do we help you get to the bottom of the smell, or the top if it’s coming from the attic, we’ll also be there to help guide you and your nose back to the clean and fresh air that your nose knows it needs. We also over air duct cleaning services to ensure you’re breathing better and fresher with every whiff you take! 

If you’re smelling something that shouldn’t be, give our office at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford a call and we’d be happy to help! 

We're STILL Certified SERVPRO Clean

12/25/2021 (Permalink)

When disasters strike at your home or office, do you want to deal with YouTube experts, or actual, certified technicians? 

I’m sure you’d agree that going with the pros is the best way tot go when it comes to the clean-up of your home or business. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford not only has experienced disaster restoration technicians, but we also have IICRC certified technicians who know how the clean-up process works. 

Whether the disaster is water damage, fire damage, mold, or biohazards, we don’t believe in “just winging it.” Our technicians are trained to handle all kinds of disasters according to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification guidelines. This means that when you call SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford, you’re calling the ones who are certified in the restoration industry. Not just someone with a truck and a fan. 

When disasters strike, you know you can trust SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford to make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Trust Us For Deordorization

12/25/2021 (Permalink)

In our experience, smells are narrowed down to two basic categories, good smells and bad smells. Good smells are the ones that comes from candles, essential oils, perfumes, and our favorite foods. Bad smells, on the other hand, can come from anything such as smoke, urine and feces, rodent droppings, or worse, rodent decay, or even worse, human decay, or even worse than that…

Okay, you get it. Things that smells bad, smell… well, bad! 

And sometimes you need an extra nose to know where the smell is actually coming from. Thankfully, the technicians at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford can help. Not only can we confirm if the smell you’re smelling is a very bad, no good, smelly smell. We can also help remove the odor with our advanced technological equipment such as air scrubbers, thermal foggers, and deodorization agents. 

Not only does this help remove powerful odors, but these machines also help us remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality in a given room. 

If something smells… smelly, give us at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford a call, and we’ll see if we can sniff it out for you. As always, we’re Here to Help.

Why Choose Us?

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

When home emergencies happen (think: water heater burst, fire or storm damage) it can be overwhelming! Make a scary, stressful time a little bit easier by calling us. Here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford, we are available any time day or night to help you with the restoration process. A fast response is crucial! By taking immediate action, you help minimize the damage to your property. 

Our specially trained technicians are prepared to handle any size disaster. Have a water emergency? Our technicians have extensive water restoration training. What about a fire? Our technicians are trained in fire and smoke restoration, odor control and cleaning. And damage from a winter storm or hurricane? Our technicians are specially trained to help with that too! SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford’s main goal is to return your property to pre-emergency condition!

And we offer more than emergency services. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford can provide mold remediation services, cleaning and disinfection services and much more! Have we mentioned we have highly trained technicians?

Emergency...we have your back! 02748

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

No one plans to have emergency fire and water situations, and as such they can catch us off guard and disrupt our daily lives. Fire and water emergencies in our places of business are no different. It can be very difficult to conduct your day to day business operations when your office is floating in a foot of water. 

Have no fear... SERVPRO is here!

Whether you have a home or business affected by water or fire damage, we can help.  

That’s what we’re all about here at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford, getting you back to work and making your emergency situation "Like it never even happened."

Call us anytime at 508-999-2380.  We truly make it "Like it never even happened."  

One Team

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

There are many franchises across the country and many operate totally for their sole purpose.  One of the great things about being a SERVPRO franchise is that while we operate solely and serve our own communities, we also come together when the need arises.  

This year along with a pandemic has also been a huge storm year.  We at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford are happy to have the opportunity to help others who have suffered huge losses and are heading to Texas to assist other storm teams.  

When duty calls, we come together as One Team.  That's the SERVPRO way!  

Choose the Best

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

picture includes different buildings we can restore

How familiar are you with SERVPRO? How about a little reminder about what we can do for you and your family? Did you know that with over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. 

Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on us for these residential services and more:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Carpet Cleaning
• Cleaning Services
• Building Services

When you need help we are here for you at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford at 508-999-2380.  

Our Fleet - 02748

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

trucks, vehicles in our fleet

Our SERVPRO Green Fleet is constantly Growing!  

We take pride in our work and appearance.  You can tell by the pride we all share for our vehicles. Let's face it, cars and trucks are one of the fun parts about what we get to do each and every day. 

Next time you see one of us on the road, feel free to give us a wave!

With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…

No matter when we are Here to Help...SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford. 

How To Choose the Right Restoration Company - 02747

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Selecting a restoration company in the midst of a disaster can certainly be overwhelming and add stress to an already difficult situation.  

Water damage compounds quickly and gets more complicated the longer it is unaddressed so it’s crucial to choose a water remediation service that can arrive quickly when you need them.  

• Does the company respond to calls 24/7?  
• How fast can they start clean up and repair?  
• Are they licensed, insured and trained?  

Often after storms and other weather related disasters, homeowners find themselves besieged by unreliable, fly-by-night repair services.  You’ll want to look for reliable restoration companies with great references from local customers like friends and neighbors.  Locally owned and operated companies like SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford greatly rely on word of mouth referrals.  

An experienced restoration company will offer a complete assessment of your property’s damage with a FREE estimate of costs so you can make the best decisions how to proceed.  

Dealing with an insurance claim can be frustrating so be sure the company you choose can help you navigate this process and deal directly with adjustors and claim representatives.  

Both you and your home deserve the best care so hiring a trustworthy and compassionate team can alleviate your worries and help resume life back to normal as quickly and stress free as possible.  

SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford has earned the Southcoast Best of the Best Award consistency for the last four years.  If you have a disaster in your home, we are Here to Help 24/7, 365 days a year.  Call us for a free estimate at 508-999-2380.  

To be the Best! 02748

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Top notch equipment

Best of the Best!

Technology is ever changing!  Have you ever felt like as soon as you invest in a new cell phone, they announce a newer model?  Fortunately, rapid technology and techniques in the restoration industry allow us the opportunity to restore a properly quickly, reliably and more effectively.  

The IICRC Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification sets practical standards for restoration and cleaning.  Our crews go through these trainings and certifications to provide our customers the best possible experience.  

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure, and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.

Water Extraction Equipment

Powerful extraction equipment speeds the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

Drying Equipment

Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from ceiling, walls, and floors of your home or business. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

Odor Removal and Deodorization

Water and fire damage often causes powerful odors. The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Anti-Microbial Treatments

The use of OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.

Where the industry standard is set, our technicians continuously and consistently exceed them. Whether that’s responding to after hour disaster calls within 5 minutes, where the industry standard is an hour or responding to the scene between one to two hours, where the industry standard is four hours. Or coming up with a plan of action in 4 hours, where the industry standard is eight hours. SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is a step above the rest. Why? Because we know our customers aren’t just customers, they are people who’ve suffered a loss and their disaster now becomes our disaster.

Hopefully, you never have to learn first hand about our disaster restoration services, but if you do, you’ll be glad you chose SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford. 

What Will You Do? - Fairhaven 02719

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

What happens when disaster strikes and you’re left to pick up the pieces? When the worst-case scenario is the one you see before your eyes, who can you trust to restore some sense of normalcy to your everyday life and alleviate the stress that comes with dealing with disaster aftermath?

At SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford, we exist to lighten your load and take care of your disaster situation. We understand that planning for a disaster is one thing, but going through it is something completely different. While insurance is there for a reason, we make sure your home or business is taken care of by an elite team of highly trained professionals. 

Where at once it seemed like all was lost, by utilizing our restore first mentality, our experts come into your home or business looking to redeem what once seemed lost. In addition to salvaging many items that can’t be replaced such as documentation, family heirlooms, or things of sentimental value, our restorative approach is much more cost-effective than replacing everything and starting from scratch.

Though we never wish disaster on anyone, we know very well that these situations unfortunately happen. SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford exists to alleviate the stress and make those situations “Like it never even happened.” 

We're Still Open, and We're Still Here to Help - Dartmouth 02747

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford when we say we’re open 24/7/365 (366 on leap years) we mean we are open 24/7/365 (and 366 on leap years)! It makes no difference to us if we get a call in the middle of the night, on a weekend, a snow-day, a month-long blizzard, our technicians are still available and Here to Help.

While the times are changing and things may be uncertain, one of the many things we’re proud of is our resiliency and ability to provide a sense of stability when our community needs it most.  During uncertain and ever-changing times, we take the necessary precautions to ensure we are keeping our crews and technicians safe, while also caring for our customers who call us in their time of need. 

Whether you need us for our regular disaster restoration services (although there’s nothing regular about it) for water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, or whether you need us to come in and disinfect your office space. SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is Here to Help. 

Effective Disinfection - Dartmouth 02747

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

In our pursuit to be the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford carries a proprietary line of cleaning products and disinfectants for when we are called in for our general cleaning and bio-remediation services. Not only is this a product that is industry-grade and tested, but it also meets the CDC requirements for cleaning certain viruses and pathogens. 

One of the many premier products we use is called SERVPROxide™. 

SERVPROxide™ is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has been approved by the EPA. As with all instances of bio-remediation and emerging pathogens, our technicians are required to wear proper personal protective equipment for their safety.

SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford carries proprietary and industrial-grade cleaning products that are not for sale and are not distributed outside of the SERVPRO franchises. 

What a Tool - New Bedford 02745

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

Here's a look at some of our specialized drying equipment

As a result of technology advancements and innovation being added to the clean-up and disaster restoration industry. This means that we have more access than ever to the specialized equipment we use in our day-to-day operations. 

Our headquarters at SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is filled with special tools we use to get the job done, no matter how big or small. Whether it be moisture meters, LGR dehumidifiers for large water damages, or HEPA-vacuums for air filtration, we have what we need no matter the disaster. 

It’s not every restoration company that is fully equipped with advanced equipment. This is why you can trust that when you call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford for a clean-up, we don’t have to scramble to gather equipment. We just load up our trucks, get to the site, and get to work making your disaster, “Like it never even happened.”

The Finer Things in Life - Dartmouth 02747

2/21/2020 (Permalink)

There’s something to be said about the finer things in life. It could be because certain objects or experiences bring an air of satisfaction and status to the consumer. Or, it could simply be the sweet feeling of purchasing something that is meaningful to one. Whether it be furniture, paintings, clothing, electronics or other items that are often labeled with HANDLE WITH CARE warnings, it’s important that you do just that when a disaster occurs. 

Just because something valuable has been affected by a disaster, doesn’t mean it can’t be restored to its preloss condition. In fact, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford has the capabilities to restore damaged items such as those mentioned above through a team of specially trained technicians. So whether the “finer things” in your life is a laptop, a love seat, or a lovely painting, not all is lost after a disaster occurs. 

Just another one of the many reasons why SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is Help to Help. 

When You Need the Best, Call SERVPRO - Dartmouth 02747

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

When a fire happens in your home or office, you don’t call your neighbor with a bucket of water, you call the fire department. Why? Because they’re the best. 

Much like when fire, smoke, or water damage happen, you don’t call just anybody, you call SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford. Why? Because we’re the best. 

Not only have the people of the south coast voted us as Best of the Best, but we pride ourselves in our trained and certified technicians that respond to disasters no matter the day or hour. 

Where the industry standard is set, our technicians continuously and consistently exceed them. Whether that’s responding to after hour disaster calls within 5 minutes, where the industry standard is an hour. Or responding to the scene between one to two hours, where the industry standard is four hours. Or coming up with a plan of action in 4 hours, where the industry standard is eight hours. SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is a step above the rest. Why? Because we know our customers aren’t just customers, they are people who’ve suffered a loss and their disaster now becomes our disaster.

Hopefully, you never have to learn first hand about our disaster restoration services, but if you do, you’ll be glad you chose SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford. 

Damaged Documents? We Do That Too. - New Bedford 02740

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

In the digital age we live in, it can hardly seem like anyone still uses paper as the only written record of important documents. However, in our industry, we see it happen quite often. These documents can hold important legal and sentimental value, and when disaster strikes, such as water damage, the restoration of those documents is just as important as the rest of the affected area. 

That’s why one of the benefits of choosing SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford is that we offer document restoration services. If important documents, photos, photo albums, and even yearbooks are damaged in the event of a water loss, SERVPRO has the ability to restore those documents back to preloss condition. Through the utilization of vacuum freezing techniques, our technicians are able to restore important documents and get them back to you with minimal damage, basically, “Like it never even happened.”

Ready for Whatever Happens - Dartmouth 02747

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Services offered by SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South

The only thing on a home or business owner’s mind in the midst of a disaster is: “Who should I call?” Thankfully, SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South can answer that: call us!

When you’re facing a disaster situation, it’s important to call the best to the rescue. Our crews and technicians are just that. They go through extensive training along with hands-on field experience to ensure you’re getting professionals that will restore your home or office to its preloss condition. In addition to our fire damage, water damage restoration and mold remediation services, SERVPRO Industries also specializes in document restoration and fine art restoration, plus a number of other services that We truly are “ready for whatever happens.” 

In the middle of all the decisions, you’ll have to make regarding the aftermath of a disaster choosing SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South will be the easiest and best choice. We’re here to help. 

The SERVPRO Standard

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

We're Faster to Any Size Disaster

How familiar are you with SERVPRO? How about a little reminder about what we can do for you and your family? Did you know that with over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. 

Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on us for these residential services and more:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Carpet Cleaning
• Cleaning Services
• Building Services

Why SERVPRO?

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

The Team at SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South

What happens when disaster strikes and you’re left to pick up the pieces? When the worst case scenario is the one you see before your eyes, who can you trust to restore some sense of normalcy to your everyday life and alleviate the stress that comes with dealing with disaster aftermath?

At SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South, we exist to lighten your load and take care of your disaster situation. We understand that planning for a disaster is one thing, but going through it is something completely different. While insurance is there for a reason, we make sure your home or business is taken care of by elite team of highly trained professionals. 

Where at once it seemed like all was lost, by utilizing our restore first mentality, our experts come into your home or business looking to redeem what once seemed lost. In addition to salvaging many items that can’t be replaced such as documentation, family heirlooms, or things of sentimental value, our restorative approach is much more cost-effective than replacing everything and starting from scratch.

Though we never wish disaster on anyone, we know very well that these situations unfortunately happen. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South exists to alleviate the stress and make those situations “Like it never even happened.” 

24/7 Emergency Water Restoration

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

We are Here to Help!

SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About Us

SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Check out Our Fleet!

3/13/2019 (Permalink)

Our Fleet

Our SERVPRO Green Fleet is constantly Growing!  

We take pride in our work and appearance.  You can tell by the pride we all share for our vehicles. Let's face it, cars and trucks are one of the fun parts about what we get to do each and every day. 

Next time you see one of us on the road, feel free to give us a wave!

With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…

Did you know? We do Carpet Cleaning!

3/13/2019 (Permalink)

A carpet after being cleaned by SERVPRO

Did you know? We do Carpet Cleaning!

Check out this carpet cleaning job we did, can you believe how clean it is? Your carpet could look this good too after SERVPRO of Dartmouth/New Bedford South is done with it!

Carpet cleaning is an important routine that you don't want to ignore. Dirt hides in the deepest fibers of the material and is an important contributor in the shelf life of your investment. Because constant changing of your carpet is expensive, you have to take care of it to save money. It is important to keep it clean at all times. 

With over 1,700 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada, SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians respond quickly, whether you need water damage restoration or simply need your upholstery cleaned. You can depend on SERVPRO for all of your needs, whether it be water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, the list goes on…

How to Tell if Your Hot Water Heater is Going Bad

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Is your Hot Water Heater on its way out?

Hot water heaters will typically last you between 10-15 years. When internal components become corroded and mineral build up occurs, your heater can begin to leak. Without correction, this small leak can turn into something more serious – and you may find yourself with a basement full of water. Below are some telltale signs that your hot water heater is on its way out, and some simple maintenance you can do to prevent disaster.

1. Check

Check for power if there is no hot water. While no hot water can be a sure sign that the water heater has failed, it could also mean the pilot light is out or the circuit breaker tripped.

2. Examine

Examine the water that comes out of the hot faucet. If it appears rusty, this signals an upcoming failure of your water heater. Look for signs of muddy water or increased sediment in the water tank. Attach a hose to the drainage bib on the water heater, turn the unit off and drain it to examine its contents. Muddy water or increased sediment signals a potential failure of your water heater. When flushing the water heater, remember that the water that comes out of the hose bib at the front of the water heater is going to be extremely hot, as it will not be mixed with cold water. Use caution when flushing the water heater to avoid getting burned. Smell or taste the water. If the hot water has a metallic taste to it, this indicates that the water heater is close to breaking down.

3. Listen

Pay attention to the noises your water heater makes. While there will be normal sounds as the water heats, loud cracks and pops indicate an interaction between the heating elements inside the heater and the scale and mineral deposits built up on them.

4. Address

Take immediate action if you see leaking water around the water heater where none has leaked before. Disconnect the electricity or turn off the gas to the unit and let the water cool down before attempting to remove and replace the water heater. Leaking water indicates an internal failure in the water heater.

*Information courtesy of SF Gate - Home Guides