We all know someone who has experienced a water heater failure. Damages range from replacing ceilings, walls, and flooring to using a wet vac to clean up the water in a hallway or garage. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), this problem is listed as one of the top five reasons for this type of residential water damage. The average cost to fix this type of damage could be over $4000.00.
All of this can be avoided by checking your water heater regularly.
Water Heater Check List
AGE: Check the age of your water heater; once it reaches its life expectancy, a slow leak or sudden burst becomes increasingly possible.
RUSTY TANK—Steel water tanks will rust after the internal rust protection element, called the anode rod, deteriorates. A good indication that you have a problem with your water heater is if you run the hot water from the faucet and the water comes out with a brown or rust-like color.
How to prevent this issue: Once the warranty has expired, inspect the anode rod at least once a year. Every 4-5 years, you will probably need to change the anode rod, and possibly sooner if you use a water softener.
BUILD-UP OF SEDIMENTS – Minerals from hard water called sediment will settle to the bottom of your water tank. This layer of sediment creates an insulated layer, which blocks the water from the burner and causes the water heater to run longer to heat the water, causing it to overheat, break down, and deteriorate the tank. If you can hear popping or crackling noises, it’s a good indication that water is trapped under the sediment and is bubbling up and trying to escape.
How to prevent this issue: Flush and drain the tank once a year to remove sediment and ensure your water heater works properly.
Under Internal Pressure – Picture yourself blowing air into a balloon . . . What happens if you blow too much air? POP! Too much pressure pops the balloon. The same thing will happen in your water heater when too much pressure builds up in the tank. Eventually, the tank will leak, burst, and even possibly explode to allow the pressure to escape. Luckily, your water heater uses a temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve, which releases some water to reduce the pressure. But, even with the T&P, the extra valve can break down the tank. If the valve leaks or keeps opening to release water, pressure will build up in the tank, eventually leading to the inevitable.
How to prevent this issue: When the water heater’s temperature is high (140-145), pressure builds in the tank. Keep your water heater temperature at approximately 120-125 degrees. This will reduce your chances of scalding yourself and creating too much pressure. You should also test the T&P valve twice yearly to ensure it appropriately relieves the tank pressure. The best way to ensure your water heater is maintained correctly is to call a professional technician who will keep up with the review.
Also read: Home Heating Maintenance Repair Newport News
About Bert’s Inc. Heating and Air Commercial Refrigeration
We are highly trained, experienced commercial HVAC specialists in home cooling installation, cooling services, boilers, and air conditioning installation. Bert’s Inc. provides commercial and residential cooling and air conditioning services in Williamsburg, James City County, Yorktown, Poquoson, Seaford, Hampton, Newport News, and surrounding Virginia Peninsula areas.
