How You Can Stop Your Water Heater From Failing

It is hard to predict when your water heater will fail. Really, there is no convenient time for your home to stop having hot water, but there are some signs you can look for that can indicate water heater failure. By keeping a watchful eye on your water heater, and understanding why a water heater might fail, you and your family will continue to enjoy the benefits of hot water this winter.

Like most household appliances, water heaters do not last forever. The age of your water heater plays a strong effect on how efficient it is running. Water heaters can last around 10 years, and if your water heater is in that range or beyond, then you need to keep a closer eye on it during your regular maintenance.

Now, if your water heater is still in the days of its youth, it can still experience some troubles that will jeopardize its integrity. Rusty water, for instance, could be a sign that we should replace the internal anode rods. These highly active metal rods are in place to prevent your water from corroding and eventually need to be replaced. Check on these rods every year, and if they look worn down, swap in some new ones.

The most common reason that water heaters fail is because of a leak in the storage tank. Potential leaks can occur when the tank corrodes through, and the rusty or corrosive water can be to blame. Along with the anode rods, a coating of enamel paint should protect your water heater on the inside and a glass-lined inside the storage tank. So when you notice a leak around your water heater, then you know there could be serious trouble.

Leaks can also occur when the water pressure is too high. This can put your water heater, and you pipes and other appliances at risk. If the leak comes from the overflow pipe on the side of the water heater, that may mean that there is a problem with the water pressure. We recommend that the water pressure remain no higher than 80 psi, and once it is back in that range, you should the temperature and pressure relief valve.

Sometimes you cannot see the issue, but you can hear it. With an aging water heater, sediment is likely to build up on the bottom of the tank and will harden from the heat. That leads to rumbling or banging sounds. The sediment affects the efficiency of your water heater by causing it to use more gas or electricity to heat the water, and more seriously, can cause wear and tear on the tank that could lead to cracks.

Check in on your water heater every so often this winter and inspect with both your eyes and ears to make sure it is running at its best. However, when something seems amiss, you may need to call a professional. In dire times, call the professionals at Sunrise Heating and Plumbing at 616-293-9326. By providing exceptional customer service, our staff can handle any problem.