6 Water Heater Repair Reasons Why Your Water Heater Keeps Failing | Earlville, IL
Photo By Lost_in_the_Midwest at Shutterstock
Like any other household fixture in Earlville, IL, the water heater is convenient, especially during the cold winter months. Statistically, almost every American household has a water heater. This signifies the importance of water heaters. However, having one is not enough. Your water heater ought to function normally to be indeed a water heater.
Water heater damages are common in many households. Therefore, understanding the main reasons behind why your water heater is failing helps you decide on the appropriate course of action. Regardless, a professional water heater repair expert can diagnose the situation and implement solutions accordingly. Check out this guide on water heater damages and how a water heater expert can help your case.
Key Components of a Water Heater
Understanding the composition of a typical water heater is elemental to understanding why the water heater is failing. While there are several water heaters, most American households use the traditional water heater that features a massive tank for water storage.
This tank typically holds 25-100 gallons of water. In addition, most tank-style water heaters use either an electrical or gas fuel source.
Almost every component of the water heater is susceptible to damage or malfunction. Key components in a water heater include:
- Storage Tanks. The storage tank consists of an interior, heavy metal tank featuring a protective water liner. This tank’s exterior is commonly insulated using polyurethane foam. The storage tank also consists of a thin, exterior steel shell encasing the entire tank unit
- Thermostat. This device measures and maintains the water temperature as required
- Heating mechanism. It heats the water from within the storage tank. A gas water heater uses a burner underneath the storage tank. It has a flue system allowing exhaust to flow via the tank’s center before being vented externally. On the other hand, an electric option uses two electrically powered interior heating elements
- Dip Tube. This tube travels from the cold water supply pipes via the tank to feed cold water to the bottom unit
- The hot water outlet. It is located at the tank’s top and feeds hot water from the tank to the supply plumbing
- Sacrificial anode rod. Typically made of magnesium and aluminum, this rod reduces tank corrosion by attracting dangerous elements in the water away from the storage tank. Since the rod is designed to deteriorate, it should be inspected regularly as part of scheduled maintenance.
Expert water heater repair targets individual components and provides the appropriate solutions to return their functionality.
Reasons why your water heater fails include:
- Interior rust
The anode rods are highly active metal rods that help to protect the water heater from corroding/rusting. The anode rods are consumed instead of the metals they protect. This is why they are known as sacrificial. However, with time, these sacrificial anode rods will need to be replaced. A water heater repair expert can inspect your heater system and recommend replacement if possible.
- Sediment buildup
Mineral deposits split and rest at the tank’s bottom when the water is heated. Over time, sediments buildup, minimizing your heater’s effectiveness and leading to eventual damage or malfunction. This is often the case if you are using hard water. Reach out to a water heater repair expert to flush out your heater at least once a year.
- Corrosive fumes
For combustion to happen, a water heater should draw in air. If the air quality is poor, expect some problems to occur. Corrosive air is more dangerous since it can rust the storage tank and result in heater malfunction. You are advised to store any corrosive materials such as bleach and ammonia away from the water heater.
- High Water Pressure
Extremely high water pressure can damage your water heater, plumbing pipes, and other fixtures or appliances. Check for any water leaks from the overflow pipes on the water heater’s side. If you notice any, chances are you have an issue with excessive water pressure that should be handled by a water heater repair professional in Earlville, IL. It is advisable to keep the water heater pressure at 80 psi or less as a preventative measure. You should also consider a temperature and pressure relief valve replacement.
- Wrong Size Heater
Generally, water heaters vary in size to accommodate the water usage of different households and their needs. Therefore, if you buy a small water heater that doesn’t match your water usage needs, it is highly likely to break down due to overworking its capacity. Talk to a water heater repair expert to recommend the appropriate water heater sizing for your home.
- Old Age
Every water heater type has its average lifespan. The traditional water heater typically lasts between 10-15 years if well maintained. The tankless water heater can last up to 20 years. Anything longer than that for either of these heaters means your water heater is functioning on borrowed time.
Minor issues related to the heater’s lifespan include rust, a dysfunctional pilot light, or a spoilt heating element. Consider proactively replacing an old water heater with the advice and recommendation of professional water heater repair plumbers.
Why Should You Repair Your Water Heater?
17% of the energy that you use in a home typically goes towards water heating. Unfortunately, a damaged water heater is a cause for alarm since it is less energy efficient. Repairing your water heater works in your favor, especially if the fixture is still relatively new and has developed a minor setback. Otherwise, if the repairs are becoming too frequent and costly, expert plumbers recommend a full-scale replacement.
Early-onset repairs help you go ahead of major repairs by mitigating the issue at the root. If you notice any water heater damage, consult a water heater repair expert immediately to assist in early mitigation.
Some of the early warning signs of water heater damage include:
- Lack of hot water
- Popping or rumbling noises
- Faulty or leaking pressure relief valve
- Leaking tank water
- Cloudy water.
Are you having any water heater complications? Contact our expert plumbers at Just In Time for fast and reliable water heater repair in Earlville, IL today.