When your hot water heater fails, that chill down your spine is real! For generations, when Millburn homeowners have been left high, dry, and chilly, they have reached out to Stashluk Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Generators for fast service to replace or repair hot water heaters.
The lifespan of a tank hot water heater stretches anywhere from eight to 12 years, or longer. When you get beyond the dozen year mark your chances of failure naturally increase. But there are things you can do to increase the work life of your hot water tank as well as your tankless hot water heating system, if that is what you have in your home.
Simple water heater maintenance can add years to service life.
No doubt you’ve noticed the many ways water can pose a threat to the integrity of your home’s structural well-being. Drainage problems can wear away at foundations, leaks can warp wood and damage ceilings, and abrasive minerals and deposits in the water can corrode plumbing fixtures throughout your home. Now imagine the water cycling through your hot water tank and tankless system. That water is similarly laced with the same corrosive minerals that can damage your other plumbing fixtures, meaning it can have the same effect on your hot water tank.
What causes a hot water tank to fail?
Given that we know the average service life of a tank heater, it’s worth taking a look at the kinds of things that can cut short its performance. Again, corrosion is the main culprit in many ways. All tank heaters have an anode rod which is designed to be a “magnet” for the corrosive properties of the water to help protect the inner tank itself. The anode rod should be replaced every few years. Stashluk can inspect your hot water heater to see the condition of your anode rod and replace it if necessary.
Other contributors to hot water heater failure:
- If the water pressure in your home is too high it can cause havoc with your hot water heater as well as just about all of your plumbing and appliances. One way to tell is if you see water leaking from the side of your water heater where the overflow pipe is located. If you see a leak, Stashluk can check the pressure in your tank and make adjustments or install new parts such as a temperature and relief valve to reduce water pressure.
- Few things impact the efficiency of your hot water heater like sediment buildup. As the water is heated mineral deposits settle at the bottom of your tank. Stashluk recommends flushing the tank at least once a year to clean out the deposits before they cause more damage.
- Corrosive fumes, such as those emitted by bleach and ammonia, can lead to failure. The fumes are drawn in when the water heater fires up to heat the water. This can corrode the tank over time. Move these items to another room far away from the tank.
- Make sure your hot water heater is right-sized. A tank that’s too small to accommodate the needs of your family will not be able to keep up with demand and will fail due to overuse. Stashluk can help you choose the right water heater for your home in the event yours is too small to do the job.
- Finally, like any other appliance or part of your home, sometimes the hot water heater just breaks down due to wear and tear. There’s really nothing else you can do other than contain the flood (should the tank rupture) or be proactive and replace it before it reaches its doomsday.
What are the signs of imminent hot water heater failure?
It’s not always easy to tell if a hot water heater is about to fail, however, there are a few telltale signs. Pay attention to them and you may be able to avoid the potential damage caused by basement flooding, disruption to your daily routines, and the general annoyance that accompanies a failed hot water heater. If you detect any of the following signs, call Stashluk to schedule a technician right away. For example:
- Discolored or rusty water can be caused by a number of factors such as bacteria or a dissolved anode rod. Stashluk can quickly diagnose the source of the problem and offer ways to amend it.
- Moisture or water around the base of the water heater may be a sign of small leaks or fractures in the tank.
- Cold water can be a sign of a bad thermocouple, an extinguished pilot light, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Your tank may be just fine! Call Stashluk to find out.
- If you hear rumbling noises coming from the tank there may be a buildup of calcium and lime mineral deposits. Stashluk can flush the tank and improve heating performance and energy efficiency.
- A flooded basement is a sign that it’s too late! Take preventive measures before allowing this to happen. Call Stashluk 24/7.
Millburn NJ Hot Water Heater Replacement: Choosing the best hot water heater for your Millburn home is easy when you call Stashluk!
To improve the odds against a leaky water heater turning into a flood in the basement, regular maintenance will extend the life of your water heater and alert you to hot water heater parts and problems that need to be addressed.
Stashluk has the experience and know-how to repair and, if needed, replace old or faulty hot water heaters, plumbing pipes, appliances and fixtures in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry, basement and throughout your home.
To schedule a service visit or to discuss the installation of a new hot water heater, call the Millburn NJ plumber, Stashluk today at (908) 277-6200. You’ll be glad you did!
