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12 common causes of water heater failure

· water heater repair

Water heaters are a common household appliance, and while they usually last for many years without any problems, they can occasionally fail. In this blog post, we will outline the twelve most common causes of water heater failure. By understanding these potential issues, you can help to prevent them from happening and extend the life of your water heater.

Water heaters play a big role in modern households. Because of the nature of water heaters, they are bound to have problems at some point. There are twelve common causes that lead to failed water heaters.

1) Improper installation or lack of insulation during installation

If you do not properly install your heater in the right area, it will cause problems for you especially in colder climates where your heater must work harder to provide hot water for your household needs. So it is advisable to hire professionals for installation of water heater. Another issue is if there is no insulation around the tank so cold air settles on top of it and can freeze in colder weather causing cracks or even worse damage.

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2) Water quality issues

Inefficient operation can be caused this problem this due to deposits, corrosion, and sediment that build up over time. If the heaters elements filter is clogged or has non-metallic particles in it can cause an issue as well by not allowing the water to heat properly .

3) High mineral content

High mineral content, such as hard water , can lead to a buildup of limestone which causes damage to tanks and valves making them less efficient. The minerals will also be deposited on your heating unit, clogging its filters and reducing efficiency even further .

4) Old age

As you might already know nothing lasts forever, especially appliances. After a long period of use, your heater could give out from rusting from the inside out due to moisture within the tank . This type of failure is more common in tank less heaters.

5) Power surge or lightning strike

A power surge or lightning strike can fry your internal components and is irreparable. Your only option is to buy a new heater. This commonly occurs when there is a problem with the grid or during electrical storms/winds . Even if you do not notice any damage , it does not mean that nothing is wrong with your unit, all it needs is for one small component within the system to become damaged and they will all fail .

6) Natural disaster

Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and fires can cause complete loss of hot water although this type of failure does not happen often because most natural problems occur due to bad weather which obviously affects everyone .  

7) Mechanical problem

A mechanical failure can happen because of a lack of preventative maintenance on your part or the heater. If you do not clean out your tank periodically , sediment and minerals can clog up your heating unit's filters making it less efficient . If you allow your pressure relief valve to leak, water will be wasted on the ground instead of staying in its storage tank. And if you forget about it for too long, you could end up with a frozen tank which causes damage to the inside of your unit .

8) Freezing during use

If you fail to drain down the system at least once per year, water left inside could freeze during use causing cracks throughout tanks . It is always better to drain down hot water heaters during winter because it is less of a hassle and your heater can easily handle the stress more than if you leave it completely full.

9) Corrosion

If not properly maintained, deterioration from corrosion can cause cracking in your tank which would be irreparable . If there is even the smallest leakage , corrosion will occur and cause rusting and water leaks and you need to repair water leaks as soon as possible.

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10) Faulty electrical connection

Electrical connection issues with temperature and pressure controls could result in expensive troubleshooting efforts or complete replacement of parts . Such problems usually happen when wires become loose or corroded over time. Always make sure all connections are secure before turning on any hot water related appliances such as water heaters to such problems.

11) Sulfur problems

A sulfur smell can mean that there is a problem with your water heater. It is usually caused by the anode rod which is used to protect the tank from corrosion . The rod becomes corroded causing vile smells and unsafe water if not properly maintained . Although this will only happen during certain times of the year (when hot water use is low) it can still cause health risks to those who are taking showers or doing dishes.

12) Sediment buildup

If sediment builds up on the bottom of your tank, it could block drain holes making some basins difficult to use . This type of issue happens more often than you might think because most people do not clean their tanks as often as they should especially when they first move in and do not know how often to drain them down.

Conclusion:

Now that you know what to expect when it comes to water heater failure, you can prepare for the next time your hot water suddenly goes cold. It's important to stay on top of these warning signs so you don't end up with an expensive repair bill or worse - no hot water at all. Contact All star plumbing & restoration today if any of the following 12 common causes are coming true in your home and we'll help get them resolved before they become a problem!

Author Bio:- Laura Harnes 

Laura is a marketing manager at All Star Plumbing & Restoration. With years of experience in the plumbing industry, she loves to create awareness about the causes, problems, and repair solutions of water damage and slab leak. She shares expert tips to lower utility bills and keep your AC, heater, and other appliances in optimum condition leading to longer lifespan.

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