A slow leak can go undetected for days, and the damage is even worse if the unit is located on an upper floor. Water always flows downhill. In my house, the second floor water heater leaked so much water that it damaged my walls and flooring. Here are some other things you should keep an eye out for. – High water pressure or sediment buildup. Sediment buildup and rust.
High water pressure
Regardless of the type of plumbing appliance, high water pressure can cause many problems for your home. This includes worn seals, damaged plumbing fixtures, and leaks. Not only will your appliances suffer from high water pressure, but you’ll also have to replace them sooner than expected. So how do you know if your water heater is at risk? Read on to learn more about common problems and how to fix them. High water pressure can also reduce the lifespan of many common appliances.
Sediment buildup
There are many causes for sediment buildup on your water heater. These include mineral deposits and other materials, including calcium, magnesium, and rust. When a water heater gets too clogged with sediment, the heater’s heating capacity decreases. If you notice that your heater is acting funny or that you are getting cold showers on cold days, it could mean sediment buildup on the water heater.
Rust
A damaged water heater can lead to a number of problems. If rust occurs on the outside of the water heater, it may be a sign of a larger problem. This is often caused by leaks in the water heater, or by connection points that allow water to reach the internal parts. Water that contains rust may not be harmful to human health, but it may be bad for your hair, scalp, or skin. Fortunately, rust damage to water heaters can usually be repaired or replaced.
Mold
A mold-damaged water heater is no fun. Not only does it look terrible, but it can affect your health, too. Exposure to household mold can result in asthma attacks, respiratory problems, digestive problems, depression, and chronic fatigue. To avoid getting sick from this mold, take the following steps:
Hard water
If you have a tankless water heater in your home, you may be experiencing hard water damage. The minerals in hard water can seriously damage your water heater, reducing its efficiency and performance. Fortunately, there is a simple solution to remove hard water-causing minerals from your tap water. Hard water can also cause a range of other problems, including rust, corrosion, and leaks. Here are some steps to take to reduce the risk of hard water damage to your water heater.
Trying to repair a water heater on your own
Before attempting to repair a water heater yourself, be sure to check the circuit breaker. It may be tripped and needs to be reset. Next, remove the plastic safety guard and insulation from the upper heating element. Then, locate the high-temperature cutoff reset button on the top of the thermostat. If that doesn’t solve the problem, replace the thermostat. If you can’t repair the problem yourself, contact a repair service provider.
Failure of the TPR valve
Failing to test a TPR valve is one of the most common ways to damage a water heater. While this may sound like an innocuous task, failure to do so can lead to catastrophic consequences. The valve is designed to release pressure if the water heater reaches dangerously high temperatures. Without this valve, internal pressure will continue to build until the water heater explodes. In rare cases, water heaters can fly through the roofs of houses, leaving behind 50 gallons of steam and boiling water. To test whether a TPR valve is functioning properly, watch this MythBusters episode.
