Wednesday, 21 August 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 water heater with a 12-year warranty requires two anode rods while a unit with 6-year warranty needs only one. You may have to install a lot of anode rods if you own a commercial-sized tank. These anode rods work through the process of electrolysis, wherein one metal protects the other from corroding once they are connected in water.

An anode rod's lifespan depends entirely on your usage, water quality and temperature. It is said that using water softener can improve the quality of your water immediately. However, expect your anode rod to deteriorate sooner since it reacts to water softeners at all times. Do not wait until your water gets rusty and start checking the state of your rod while there is time.

If you want to prolong the lifespan of your water heater, take time to drain and flush it on a semi-annual basis. A hot water heater lasts for about 8 to 10 years, depending upon the type and brand you prefer to purchase. Gas-fired units are expected to breakdown sooner than electric-powered water heaters. If you want to buy a more durable unit, check out tankless water heaters out in the market.

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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