Water heaters can fail for a number of different reasons, and some of them are preventable. Here are three causes of water heater failure and ways you can avoid them.
1. Mineral Buildup
Mineral buildup is one of the most common preventable causes of water heater failure. Mineral buildup is common in areas with hard water, and Indianapolis is classified as having hard water. Over time, the minerals begin to precipitate out of the water during the heating cycle. These minerals then settle at the bottom of the tank, where the heating element is located. This layer of mineral buildup makes it difficult for the heating element to do its job. It will take longer to heat the water, which causes undue wear and tear on the water heater and increases your energy bills.
If this issue is not addressed, it will cause the water heater to fail prematurely. A simple way to avoid this is to flush your water heater every six months as part of your regular maintenance routine. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, give us a call, and one of our experts will come out to perform this task and other maintenance on your water heater.
2. High Water Pressure
Water pressure that is too high can damage parts of your water heater. Typically, if your water pressure is too high, water will leak out of the overflow pipe on the side of your water heater. Sometimes, this is due to the setting on the water heater, and other times it is due to a malfunction of the pressure regulator or high supply pressure. It can even be caused by your home being located in a low spot. High pressure in your water heater can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately.
You want to make sure your water heater is set at no more than 80 psi. Regular maintenance by a professional can catch a worn or faulty pressure regulator and pressure relief valve.
3. A Water Heat That Is Too Small
A water heater that is too small for your needs will constantly be working, which puts a tremendous amount of stress on it. This leads to a decreased lifespan and increased energy bills. If you have recently added on to your home or expanded your family, you may need to replace your water heater with one that is of appropriate size.
If you need water heater maintenance, repair or installation services, contact us at JW’s plumbing. Our expert plumbers can walk you through your options, including tankless water heaters.
