Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Tips On Water Heater Replacement

By Brian Winters


Having rusty-colored water coming out of your pipes together with a foul odor is an obvious sign that you need a timely water heater replacement. Sometimes, flushing and draining the tank might solve the problem. Sediment buildup inside the tanks is a normal water heater problem for all homeowners who don't perform regular water heater maintenance.

Letting a water heater rust and corrode over a long period of time can result to a flooded basement and soaked floorboards. When this happens, find the cause of the leak as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Do not wait until your clothes are all stained because of scummy water. Inspect your water heater before the situation worsens.

Anode rods, either made of aluminum or magnesium casts, are usually installed in every traditional tank-style unit. These anode rods serve like a magnet that absorbs all charged water molecules, protecting your tank from completely rusting. To be able to inspect the rod thoroughly, you may need to drain the tank beforehand. Replace it immediately if it measures less than of an inch. A water heater with rusted internal components will eventually lessen its heating efficiency in the long run.

A unit with a 12-year warranty usually has two anode rods installed while a heater with a 6-year warranty only has one. If you have a commercial-sized tank, you may need to install a lot of anode rods to keep the unit in tip-top shape. Through electrolysis, the anode rod protects other metal components from rusting once they are connected in water.

An anode rod can last longer depending on your water quality, usage and temperature. Water softeners help improve the quality of your water, but expect the anode rod to deteriorate sooner at the same time. Check your anode rod every year to prevent sediments from building up excessively.

Draining and flushing your unit regularly can help extend its lifespan by a couple of years. Hot water heater usually last for about 8-10 years depending on what kind you prefer to buy. Electric water heaters are expected to last longer than gas-fired units. If you want a more durable water heater compared to traditional tank-style units, consider buying a tankless water heater instead.

Having a lesser heating efficiency can result to high-energy costs once rust has taken over your internal tank. Once it starts producing less hot water than it used to, consider inspecting it as soon as possible. Neglecting this step can cause the water heater to malfunction, leading to costly repairs in the long run.

If you notice your water heater malfunctioning more often, call a specialist for professional help. Recognize and detect signs of damage in the early stage to prevent the problem from escalating. If the problem is beyond any repairs, have it replaced to meet the hot water demands of your household.




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