A hot water tank is a vital part of any home in the Weymouth area. From a hot shower in the morning to a nice clean load of laundry in the evening, your day can quickly go sideways without any hot water. Water heaters typically last between 7-10 years but there are a range of factors that can play a role in making it to that mark. If you’ve had a water heater for a while, it might be a good idea to get a replacement to ensure you have reliable hot water.
Here are a few common questions about water heaters and what to expect when you get a replacement.
What are some common Water Heater problems?
Sediment, corrosion and rust
Sediment build up is the most common reason for a water heater breakdown. The amount that builds up will depend on how hard your water is and how often you have your water heater flushed. Accumulation will cause the interior of the tank to corrode and eventually create a leak. The leak will start small but eventually it can get so severe that the water heater will be past repair.
Another issue that can cause a water heater to stop working is rust. Hot water tanks are mare of iron and steel, which are highly susceptible to rust. All tanks contain a “sacrificial” anode rod to use as a defense against rust. The anode rod should be checked regularly and replaced when needed to prevent as much rusting to the tank as possible.
Over Pressurization
A water heater may also fail due to over pressurization. Pressure will build up inside the tank causing leaks or bursts. This occurs if incoming water pressure is higher than it should be or if there is more hot water being used than the system can handle.
When it’s time to Get a Water Heater Replacement
There are a few ways to check if it’s time to replace your water heater.
- It’s getting rusty – Check for signs of rust on the outside of the tank and inside the burner chamber if it’s a gas unit. Rust typically builds up at the base of a hot water tank first.
- The drain valve is draining slowly – Sediment buildup can clog the drain valve and slow down water flow. Getting a water heater flush as part of a routine maintenance plan can help prevent this issue.
- Water isn’t hot – If hot water is running out quickly it may mean there’s a problem with your water heater. A replacement might not always be needed but it’s normally a good idea to do a full system checkup.
- Leaks in the tank – If there’s water surrounding the base of the hot water tank, then you probably have a leak that’s causing a problem.
A water heater will generally last 7-10 years with proper maintenance but there will come a time when you come across an issue that requires replacement. Supreme Energy offers Water Heater installation and repair services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
