The water heater is one of the most important parts of your household, and, unfortunately, it is one of the most neglected appliances in most Florida homes. You should know that faulty water heaters are the top source of residential water damage in the country. Problems with your water heater are inconvenient, and water heaters in West Palm Beach, FL, can be very expensive to fix.
A ruptured or leaking water heater might not seem like it should be the top of your concerns, but it is the most common type of water heater system failure that homeowners in Florida can face. When was the last time you checked in on your water heater and scheduled maintenance or repairs for it?
This post will tell you about some of the most common ways your water heater is at risk to help you understand what you need to do before it is too late.
3 Ways Your Water Heater Is At Risk
Here are three things that could cause your water heater to develop leaks or even burst and cause substantial damage to your home.
1. Sediment buildup
If your home has a hard water supply, the minerals from the water can start to build up inside the water heater’s tank and settle at the bottom. The heating element in water heaters is placed at the bottom to heat all the water inside the tank evenly. The sediment buildup can start acting as an insulator, forcing your water heater to work harder to warm up the water. Gradually, it can lead to overheating, and the tank can deteriorate so much that it develops leaks.
2. Rust and corrosion
Most water heater tanks are made with steel. As good as they are at resisting corrosion, even the best material can start to corrode. Considering how hot and humid it is in Florida, water heater corrosion can be much faster than in places with dryer climates. Water heaters have a sacrificial anode rod that protects your system from rust, but the rods only last so long. Once the rod completely deteriorates, the water starts affecting the tank and cause it to rust. Between the internal corrosion and external rusting, your water heater can develop major leaks.
3. Too much internal pressure
Water heaters come with a temperature and pressure relief valve that prevents too much pressure from building inside the water heater. By relieving the pressure, the valves protect your home by preventing the water heater from bursting due to high pressure. Like any other component, the temperature and pressure relief valve can deteriorate over the years and stop working. If the valve starts malfunctioning, your water heater could burst due to excessive internal pressure.
Is Your Water Heater At Risk?
A burst or leaking water heater is a nightmare that no homeowner ever wants to face. Unfortunately, most homeowners do not give their water heaters a lot of thought and forget to take care of their maintenance. This means that water heater leaks and ruptures are a common problem. If your water heater is leaking or at risk of developing a major problem, you will need to call a professional to diagnose and repair it before it can cause extensive water damage throughout the house. That is where we come in at Admiral Plumbing Services, LLC.
