You turn on your shower, and there’s no hot water. Or you open the garage door, and water comes gushing out onto the driveway. Many customers ask how they can prevent water heater-related problems. Here are a few things to consider.
You turn on your shower, and there’s no hot water. Or you open the garage door, and water comes gushing out onto the driveway. Many customers ask how they can prevent water heater-related problems. Here are a few things to consider.
Water Heater Inspection
On average, hot water heaters have a lifespan of 10 years. Summer heat in the Valley of the Sun, malfunctioning parts, and rust and sediment buildup can all cause premature failure. A visual inspection of your water heater only takes a few minutes. Be on the lookout for some of these common signs that indicate a possible water heater rupture.
Rust Colored Water
If you notice rusty water flowing out of hot water taps, a likely culprit is corrosion in your water heater—a clear signal to get your tank evaluated.
Pooling or Leaking
When you inspect the tank and notice water pooling underneath it or leaky pipe connections, it’s also time to call for plumbing help.
Hard Water Supply
More than 85% of America’s water is considered hard water. Phoenix is among the cities with the hardest water. Phoenix-area water has an abundance of calcium, iron, and magnesium, originating from the soil. It then travels to Phoenix area water treatment plants which contributes to hardness. Hard water minerals can build up on your water heater’s heating element. And sediment can collect at the bottom of the tank, causing the heater to run longer than necessary. As the water takes longer to heat, it causes the steel on the bottom of the water heater to deteriorate. Eventually your water heater will break whether it’s electric, gas, or solar.
Anode Rod Breakdown
Never heard of an anode rod? It’s actually a steel core wire with magnesium, aluminum, or zinc around it that protects the metal lining inside your tank to prevent premature rust and corrosion. The anode rod is designed to last about five years, but some things can shorten its lifespan. Soft water salts and well water can impact it. If your water heater is over five years old and hasn’t had the anode rod replaced, it’s time to call your local professional plumber.
Cool Blew’s expert plumbers can help to quickly spot any small leaks, check and replace the anode rod, or fix a malfunctioning part like a thermostat. We replace water heaters, too. Want to learn more about water heaters? Call the licensed plumbers at Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900 for all your plumbing needs.
