A water heater is one of the essential appliances in our homes. We heavily depend on hot water for showering, cooking, cleaning, and laundry. However, a malfunctioning water heater can be frustrating and cause damage to your property. But, do you know what causes water heater damage, and how does it happen?
In this blog post, we will shed light on the various factors that cause water heater damage to help you take the necessary precautions.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Water Heater Failure?
When a water heater malfunction or fails, it can be caused by various factors. Here are the telltale signs of a damaged water heater you should look out for:
Hard Water
Hard water is one of the leading causes of water heater damage. When water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, it causes a buildup of sediment in the water heater. This sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, reducing the water heater’s efficiency over time. The sediments become an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, and if left unaddressed, they can corrode the tank and cause leaks.
Sediment Buildup
Sediment buildup can also happen in households with seemingly soft water. It usually occurs when the temperature of the tank is set too high. As the water heats and cools, sediment forms at the bottom of the tank, reducing efficiency, and causing damage to the water heater. Regular flushing of the tank can help prevent sediment buildup and extend the life of the water heater.
Corrosion
Water heater tanks are made of metal, and metal can corrode due to factors such as high water acidity. Corrosion can cause leaks and reduce water heater efficiency. Regular maintenance can help identify and address corrosion issues before they become severe.
Overworking
Overworking happens when the water heater is overburdened to provide more hot water than it’s designed to produce. This can happen due to increased usage or scaling from sediment buildup or hard water. Overworking leads to excessive wear and tear, increasing the chances of breakdowns and reducing the water heater’s lifespan.
High Water Pressure
High water pressure can cause damage to your water heater and other plumbing fixtures in your home. The pressure can cause leaks, reduce the efficiency of the water heater and damage its internal parts. You can prevent high water pressure by installing a pressure-reducing valve in your plumbing system.
Lack of Maintenance
Lack of maintenance is a significant cause of water heater damage. Many homeowners forget to maintain their water heaters, assuming that they will continue working correctly. In reality, regular maintenance is essential for keeping your water heater in good working condition. You should flush your water heater regularly to remove sediment build-up, check for leaks and corrosion, and have it maintained by a professional every year.
Conclusion
In general, it’s wise to keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear on components of your water heater. Things such as rust or sediment buildup can indicate that you’re due for an inspection. Additionally, be sure to flush your tank regularly as this can help reduce corrosion and scale buildups. Taking these simple steps will not only extend the lifetime of your heater but also save you money over time. If you suspect there is a major issue or need more advice about how to spot potential water heater damage, don’t hesitate to reach out to Guardian Plumbers. Our experienced team of certified plumbers will be able to identify and fix the problem quickly with minimal fuss. Don’t forget that regular maintenance and servicing is important too!
