Sunday, August 25, 2013

Homeowner's Guide To Hot Water Heater Replacement

By Brian Winters


It's probably about time to buy a replacement unit as soon as rusty-colored and smelly water comes out of your taps. However, you can try draining and flushing the tank to see if the sediments can still be removed inside. Excessive sediments usually buildup if your water heater is not maintained regularly.

Neglecting a rusty old tank is easy up until the hot water floods your basement or streams through the floorboards. It is important to take immediate action before the heater stops generating hot water. Avoid taking scummy showers or staining your clothes by inspecting the water heater before the problem arises. Perform regular water heater maintenance before it's too late.

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'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.

Extend the life of your water heater by draining and flushing it twice a year. Depending on the type and brand, a water heater usually lasts for about 8 to 10 years. Gas water heaters malfunction sooner compared to electric water heaters. Consider buying a tankless water heater if you want a more durable heating system for your household.

Expect your energy costs to increase if you keep on using your rusty old water heater. Have it inspected as soon as possible if it starts generating less hot water than it used to. Failure to do so can cause the water heater to stop operating, leading to a costly repair or unexpected replacement.

Call a specialist right away as soon as your water heater starts to leak. Doing this prevents the problem from escalating and helps recognize early signs of damage. Attend to the problem as soon as you notice it before it's beyond any repairs.




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