Have you ever wondered why your water heater fails unexpectedly? In most cases, water heaters can operate for up to a decade without any problem. However, improper usage of water heaters can significantly shorten its lifespan and eventually cause catastrophic failures. Here we discuss some of the ways you unintentionally damage your water heater that in turn requires professional water heater repair in Georgetown, TX.
1. Ignoring Sediment Buildup
Water, especially hard water, often contains minerals like iron and calcium which tend to accumulate in the bottom of the tank and along the walls of the heating elements. This sediment buildup can cause the heater to become extremely inefficient and eventually fail. It’s worth noting that even a tankless water heater is also prone to sediment buildup. As such, you should regularly flush the water heater to remove the accumulated sediment.
2. Setting the Temperature Too High
Most households set the temperature of the hot water to 120 degrees. Anything higher than that can cause pressure to build up in the tank and eventually cause it to burst. In turn, you’ll need a water heater replacement much earlier than expected.
During your water heater maintenance checks, always make sure that your water heater is set to a reasonable temperature that does not exceed 120 degrees to also avoid scalding risks.
3. Failing to Insulate the Hot Water Tank
A properly insulated water heater allows you to operate the heater more efficiently and reduce heat loss. You can wrap insulation material around the exterior of the tank to keep the temperature inside the tank constant.
4. Using the Wrong Size of Heating Element
During water heater installation, always make sure that you get the right size. An improperly sized water heater can cause overheating, leading to a potential explosion and other accidents.
Avoiding the previously mentioned mistakes can help you save thousands of dollars in repairing and replacing your water heater. Contact Kinsey Plumbing Services at the first sign of water heater damage.
