Discover 10 reasons why heaters fail and what you can do to avoid it. Continue reading to find out more!
Rust
This is one of the most common causes of water heater failure. Sacrificial anodes are rods that prevent the metal in the heater from eroding. However, over time the anodes will start to erode themselves and need to be replaced. They usually last over a several-year period. Yet, it’s also a good idea to check up on the sacrificial anodes every year or so to make sure they are still in good shape. If the rods are looking a little worse for wear, it’s time to replace them before the water causes a lot of damage to the heater.
Incorrect Water Pressure
If the water pressure is too high it can cause serious damage to your water heater, appliances, and even the piping system. The best way to spot this problem is by identifying any leakage from the hot water system. If there is some kind of overflow change the pressure. Generally, the highest the pressure should be is at 80 psi. If the problem persists update the pressure relief valve on the system.
Old Age
Generally, water heaters last for up to 12 years. After this time, they will usually start breaking down. Warning signs that your heater needs to be replaced include a flickering pilot light, rust issues, and erratic heating levels. Replacing a water heater is a good opportunity to update to an energy-efficient system that will save you money in the long run.
A Faulty Electrical Connection
If you feel like your heater isn’t working before you replace the system check what the issue is. In a lot of cases, the problem isn’t the heater rather the electrical connection. With an electrical heater, the issue could come from something like a blown fuse or a broken power cord. Alternatively, if the heater is gas you could simply be out of gas.
Loose Parts
Potentially, a hot water system may not work if there are any nuts or bolts that are loose. One way to check this is to see if there is any water leaking from the bolts of the heating element. First, try tightening the bolts and nuts. However, if the problem persists it’s important to contact a professional immediately. Most major problems can be prevented if it’s caught early.
A Broken Thermostat
If the heating elements in your system are in good shape but the hot water is not working, check out the thermostat. This or the cut-off switch could be broken. It’s quite simple and cheap to get a replacement, however, it’s still a good idea to get a professional in to check and then install the thermostat.
Mineral Build-up
Heating elements can gradual breakdown if there is a mineral build up in the heating system. This is because mineral deposits can solidify, encasing the elements and forcing it to work harder to heat the water. This will lead to gradual wear out that will make the heating system have a shorter life span. To avoid this, simply turn off the heater every couple of months and drain the tank. This is an easy way to avoid mineral build-up and keep the heating system healthy and efficient.
Something to Keep In Mind
Although there are some things that you can check and fix yourself, hot water systems are dangerous. They are pressurized tanks filled with boiling water and should only be checked and fixed by an experienced professional. The best way to keep your system in good shape is to get it checked for leakages and rusting and do small changes to maintain it. Other than that, if there is a major problem it’s imperative to talk to a professional as soon as possible. Water leakages and heating problems can turn from bad to worse very quickly.
