We rely on our water heater 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
That is a lot of work, especially in a household where multiple people are
using the sinks, bathtub and showers. As a result of wear and tear, age and
lack of maintenance, homeowners occasionally end up with a rusting water
heater. Following a few simple tips, however, can help you avoid issues with
your water heater and save money.
Preventing a Rusting Water Heater
Like any major appliance, maintenance is mandatory. Water
heaters are not designed to last indefinitely. In some situations, such as an
older home where the water heater may be out-of-date, the best approach is to
remove and replace the heater with a new model. Once a new model is in place,
follow these helpful tips for your new, or almost new, water heater to extend
its lifetime and efficiency:
One of the biggest issues with a rusting water heater is
caused by the deterioration of the anode rod. The rod, made from magnesium or
aluminum, fits inside the water tank. Over time, as the rod deteriorates, hot
water will begin to corrode the inside lining, resulting in an inefficient and
rusting water heater. To avoid this situation, have the anode rod inspected
and/or replaced once a year.
Sediment from both city and well water can build up over
time. The particles settle on the bottom of the water heater. If the tank is
not flushed periodically, the sediment and water will cause the tank to rust.
The number of people using the water system and the size of the tank can help
determine if the tank should be flushed annually, semiannually or quarterly.
If your home uses hard or well water, particles in the water
such as iron, can cause rusting in the interior tank, which results in rusty
water. As noted, rusty, standing water at the bottom of the water tank will
erode the integrity of the tank. To help avoid extra sediment buildup for homes
with extra hard water, a water softening or filtration system can help keep the
water heater tank cleaner by reducing the minerals present in the water.
When your water heater is located in a damp location, such
as a basement, you should have the appliance inspected on a regular basis to
avoid any failures due to accelerated rusting.
A water heater that has been subjected to standing water,
for any length of time, will suffer from corrosion and a fast rate of deterioration
to its outer shell.
If you are replacing your current water heater, consider
purchasing a self-cleaning model and have it installed by expert plumbers to
ensure settings are set properly.
Our experience and certified plumbers at Reliable Heating
and Air are ready to tackle the largest, or the smallest, plumbing issue in
your home in Buckhead/Atlanta. We specialize in multiple services for
homeowners, including annoying plumbing problems. Contact us soon to set up an
appointment for water heater service. Whether it’s for repair, replacement or
an annual maintenance check, we’ll handle the situation quickly and efficiently
with topnotch, customer-friendly service.