Water Heater Failure Causes

Excessive sediment left in your hot water heater could cause problems such as the rotten egg smell many people observe around water heaters low amounts of water because the sediment was taking up space in the tank where more water couldn t be and noises of the sediment literally burning up from the heating mechanism inside the tank.

Water heater failure causes.

Water in an electric water heater is heated by two heating elements in most cases. If that s not the cause then the heating elements may have failed and need replacement. The most common reason for absolutely no hot water is that the circuit breaker has tripped and you should first check the breaker box. Dripping water or leaking water possibility 1.

Here are some of the reasons and what you can do help prevent a failure. Sacrificial anodes are highly active metal rods that help prevent your water heater from corroding. Regular maintenance includes flushing the system which can remove debris and prevent problems from occurring. When water is heated mineral deposits separate and settle onto the bottom of your.

You need water metal and oxygen to create rust. Damaged flue pipes visual sign 4. Corrosion visual sign 3. If your tank fills up with too much sediment a common problem for many homes that sediment makes it harder for the water heater to operate properly.

Potentially one of the biggest causes of water heater failure is rust. A brand new water heater will work flawlessly for many years but after time there are common problems that may arise. Sometimes a water heater will start leaking near the supply lines and if you don t correct the leak it could not only damage your surrounding floor and drywall but also lead to corrosion and failure. Other common causes of water heater failure are internal rust sediment buildup and high water pressure.

However some noises are an indicator that water heater failure is on the horizon. If you start to hear rumbling from your water heater keep an eye out for any small leaks. Over time a layer of sediment from water can form on the bottom half of the tank and eventually this may cover the lower heating element. Getting a new water heater can be expensive it s definitely better to be prepared.

With a model running on natural gas sediment sits between the heating element and the water. According to ibhs 69 of water heater failures are a result of a slow leak or sudden burst causing significant water damage. Less efficiency the heater will have to use more gas or electricity to heat the water.