Water heaters play a vital role in our homes in O’Fallon, IL, ensuring we have access to hot water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Despite their importance, they are often overlooked until they malfunction, causing inconvenience. At Polar, we emphasize the importance of recognizing the common causes of water heater failure to prevent issues and extend the unit’s lifespan. By understanding these factors, homeowners can take proactive steps to maintain their water heaters effectively. Throughout the blog below we will explore some of the primary reasons why water heaters may fail, offering valuable insights for homeowners to protect their hot water supply.
Sediment Buildup
The accumulation of sediment in the water heater tank emerges as a significant cause of malfunctions. As time passes, minerals such as calcium and magnesium, commonly found in hard water, settle at the tank’s base, creating a sediment layer. This buildup leads to various issues, including reduced efficiency due to acting as an insulator, hindering heat transfer from the burner to the water. Moreover, sediment accumulation can result in overheating at the tank bottom, disrupting heat transfer and potentially causing damage to the tank and its components. To lessen these problems and ensure the water heater’s continued functionality and longevity, regular maintenance and sediment flushing are essential.
Corrosion
Corrosion can pose a significant threat to water heaters, especially those equipped with metal tanks. As the water heater ages, its protective linings wear down, making the metal more susceptible to corrosion. Furthermore, the gradual deterioration of anode rods, which are meant to shield the tank from corrosive elements, worsens the problem. The quality of water also plays a crucial role, with highly acidic or alkaline water accelerating the corrosion process, causing damage to both the tank and its components. If you wish to lessen the effects of corrosion and extend the water heater’s lifespan, it’s vital to conduct regular inspections, replace anode rods as needed, and monitor water quality closely.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat is essential for regulating water temperature in a water heater, but malfunctions can lead to various issues. These include inconsistent water temperature, which affects comfort and usability, and the risk of overheating or underheating, potentially causing discomfort and safety hazards. A malfunctioning thermostat can increase energy consumption by causing the water heater to run longer than necessary, leading to higher utility bills and unnecessary wear on the system. Promptly addressing thermostat issues is crucial to maintaining a consistent hot water supply, preventing energy wastage, and prolonging the water heater’s lifespan.
High Water Pressure
High water pressure poses significant risks to water heaters, resulting in numerous issues, including tank stress, pressure relief valve activation, and reduced lifespan. Elevated water pressure places undue stress on the water heater tank, increasing the likelihood of leaks or even tank rupture. Constantly high water pressure can trigger frequent activation of the pressure relief valve, leading to water wastage and potential damage to the valve. Water heaters exposed to consistently high water pressure are at greater risk of premature failure, shortening their lifespan and requiring costly repairs or replacements. Monitoring and regulating water pressure are essential measures to protect water heaters, ensuring their longevity and optimal performance.
Age of the Water Heater
Water heaters, like all appliances, have a limited lifespan and tend to develop issues as they age. Over time, internal components such as heating elements, valves, and seals experience wear and tear, which increases the likelihood of malfunctions. Additionally, older water heaters become less efficient, leading to higher energy consumption and increased utility bills. As these units approach the end of their expected lifespan, the chances of failures, leaks, and other problems rise significantly. When you wish to avoid unexpected and costly repairs, it’s important to have regular maintenance or consider replacing the unit when it shows signs of significant wear.
Electrical Issues
Electric water heaters are susceptible to electrical problems that can lead to malfunctions and failures. Common issues include faulty wiring, which can deteriorate or become damaged over time, disrupting the water heater’s operation and causing irregular functionality or complete failure. Electrical faults or overloads can also trip the circuit breaker, cutting off power to the unit and making it inoperable until the problem is repaired. Immediately addressing these electrical issues is crucial to ensure the water heater operates reliably.
Get in Touch with Polar for Your Water Heater Services
Water heaters are complex appliances with numerous components that can fail over time. Understanding common causes of water heater failure, such as sediment buildup, corrosion, thermostat issues, and more, can help you take proactive steps to prevent these problems. At Polar, we offer comprehensive water heater maintenance and timely repairs to ensure your unit operates efficiently and lasts as long as possible. Our services are designed to address potential issues before they become major problems. By staying vigilant and addressing problems early, you can avoid the inconvenience and expense of a sudden water heater failure. Avoid waiting for a breakdown and schedule an appointment with us today by calling 618.772.7007.
