A water heater is essential for every home, so it’s not surprising that problems with them are relatively common. But with so many different types of water heaters available, and so many ways that they can fail, everyone should have a basic understanding of what problems to look for so they can recognize when something needs attention. It’s important to understand how your specific water heater functions so you can determine when something is wrong. There are a number of problems that can impact the performance of your water heater including leaks, scaling, high pressure build-up, frost build-up, corrosion and more. In order to help you understand what these problems mean and how to avoid them, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to common water heater issues so you can learn what to look for and how to fix them if they arise.
This is one of the most common problems with water heaters and can be caused by a variety of issues. Water generally expands as it warms, and that expansion can lead to leaks. If your water heater is not large enough to accommodate all of the water demand in your home, the warmer water will start leaking. This can happen if you have a smaller tank, or if you have a combination of a smaller hot water tank and a smaller water storage tank. You can also experience leaks if you have an older, less efficient tank. If you’re experiencing any leaking issues with your water heater, it is important to address them as soon as possible.
Frost build-up occurs when the cooling coils inside the water heater are not adequately cooled. This can be caused by low water flow, as the water in the tank will not be able to cool the cooling coils as quickly as it normally would. There are a couple of ways to fix this, but the first step is to ensure that the water flow coming into the water heater is adequate. The amount of water flow coming into the water heater is referred to as the flow rate, and it is important that this is adequate in order to prevent frost build-up. If you have low water flow, there are a number of ways to increase it without having to replace your water heater. If frost build-up continues, it may be time to replace your water heater.
Scaling is an issue that can occur with a number of water heater types, although it is more common with certain types. If you have a salt-water system, you may experience scaling, and the exact reasons will vary based on the type of water system in your home. If you have a well or another salt-water system, you should have a professional come in and inspect the system to make sure it is not scaling. If you have a hybrid system, or if you have a water system that is mixed, you may experience scaling. The best way to avoid scaling is to keep the water in your system clean. There are a number of ways to do this, including changing the filter every six months, and using a cleaning product to clean the inside of the pipes. If you continue to experience scaling, it is time to replace your water heater.
Corrosion is another problem that can occur with a variety of water heater types. If you live in a humid environment, you are more likely to experience higher levels of corrosion, especially if your water is very hard. If you have a combination of high humidity and hard water, you may want to consider installing a water softening system. Many people use salt-water systems, so they also have to deal with scaling issues, so it is important to keep your water clean and soft. You can do this by installing an RO system or by changing out the filters on your salt-water system. If you are experiencing corrosion, it is time to replace your water heater.
Water temperature issues are another common problem with water heaters. If you have an older water heater, you may experience water that is too hot, or water that is too cold. This can be an issue if you have an older system that is not capable of maintaining the correct water temperature, or if it is set too low. If you have a new system, it is important to test your water temperature to make sure it is at the correct setting. If you have an older system, it is important to keep an eye on the temperature and make adjustments as needed.
Water heaters are an essential part of every home, but they do have a number of potential problems. It is important to understand what these problems are so you can recognize them when they arise. There are a number of things you can do to avoid problems with your water heater, and some of them are fairly simple to address. It is important to keep an eye on your water heater, and to address any problems as soon as possible, as there are a number of issues that can quickly become more serious.