Common Water Heater Problems You Can Eliminate Through Regular Maintenance
Water heaters tend to have a pretty rough life compared to other major appliances. Not only are they subjected to the stresses caused by constant fluctuations in temperature, but their inside surfaces are perpetually exposed to water. As a result, it's not uncommon for water heaters to break down and develop serious problems.
The good news is that you can reduce the likelihood of such expensive issues by having your water heater maintained by a reputable service provider. If you would like to learn more about the types of problems that such maintenance can forestall, read on. This article will discuss two common issues you can keep at bay through regular servicing.
Leaky T&P Valve
The temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) is a key safety aspect of any water heater. The job of this valve is to provide an outlet should the pressure inside of the tank grow to dangerous proportions. The name of the valve reflects the fact that excessive temperatures are often the cause of excessive pressure.
Without the relief that a T&P valve offers your water heater in extreme conditions, it is easy for it to become damaged. In especially severe cases, the water heater could even explode as the result of high pressure. Needless to say, this represents a huge safety threat to you and your family.
Leaks
With all that said, it's important to acknowledge that the T&P valve can also be the source of unwanted problems - namely, leaks. This is especially true for those with a T&P valve has opened up at some point in the past. A failure to close it properly after opening is the culprit behind a large number of T&P valve leaks.
Leaks may also arise over time as the result of component degradation. It's important to realize that your T&P valve is constantly having to resist the pressure being generated inside of the tank. This pressure can cause components to break down, allowing water to begin leaking out through the valve.
Troubleshooting and Repair
Attempting to repair the T&P valve on your water heater is not recommended. Because of the safety risks involved, it's wise to always let a professional make such repairs.
It's useful to know that, as a homeowner, you can often eliminate a T&P valve leak by simply turning down your water heater's temperature setting. However, the temperature be never be set at more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, as leaks will soon recur at such a high temperature.
Stinky Water
Nothing could be worse than firing up your shower first thing in the morning, only to discover that your water smells like a rotten egg. This phenomenon is generally the result of certain species of bacteria that have taken up their home inside of your water heater. Though otherwise harmless, these bacteria produce sulfur-containing compounds as part of their lifecycle.
Troubleshooting and Repair
The first step when faced with stinky water is to narrow down the cause. Try running the hot water at several different places in your home. You should find that all of these hot water sources are afflicted by the awful smell. Now try the same thing with the cold water taps.
If you notice that the smell accompanies both the cold and the hot water, your problem is not tied directly to your water heater. Rather it is the result of problems with your pipes themselves. Excessive corrosion is often the culprit here. Likewise, it may be the result of some issue with your city water supply.
If, on the other hand, you only notice the smell when using your hot water, you can be confident that the problem is tied to your water heater. The good news is that the problem at this point is simple to eliminate.
All you'll need to do is contact a professional to install a new zinc-containing anode rod in your water heater. Anode rods with zinc in them can successfully neutralize the compounds that lead to stinky water.
If you experience issues with your water heater, contact Express Plumbing & Drain to schedule an appointment.
