Parts of a Water Heater
We depend on our hot water heaters every day – it’s a big part of the comfort of our homes. When a water heater malfunctions, it can be very inconvenient and frustrating. However, water heaters don’t usually fail without warning and there are signs you can look for that will let you know it’s time to replace your old one.
Rusty or discolored water is often a sign that your tank is corroding on the inside and might leak soon. This is a problem caused when your anode rod (typically made of magnesium, also called sacrificial anodes) wears out and the corrosive metals in the water begin to eat away at the steel water tank itself. Replacing the anode rod will prolong the life of your water heater repair and prevent this corrosive damage.
Odd noises like rumbling or popping sounds when the water heater is heating are another common clue that your tank is failing. These noises are the result of sediment buildup within the tank that is hardening, or “caking”, and causing the water to make loud rumbling or popping sounds as it heats. Sediment can be flushed out of a water heater with a special tool but if it continues to build up, you will need to consider replacing your water heater.
What Parts of a Water Heater Fail?
Your water heater is too small if you’ve added an additional bathroom to your home or have more people living in it. This can cause the water heater to work harder than it should and set it up for failure from overuse.
The temperature and pressure-relief valve (T & P) is an important safety mechanism in your water heater. It opens to release water or pressure from the tank if it becomes too hot or if there’s a leak. If this safety valve isn’t functioning correctly, it could fail to open or it may not open at all, which can lead to a burst tank or even a dangerous explosion.
If you have a traditional gas-powered water heater, the thermocouple monitors the pilot light to make sure it’s working. If it isn’t, the gas control valve shuts off the gas to the unit. If you have an electric water heater, there’s a heating coil that’s heated by electricity to heat the water and a wire that connects the heating element to the thermostat. Sometimes the wires that connect the heating coil to the thermostat wear out, which can cause your water heater not to function properly. Changing the wires or the thermostat can fix this problem but if you have to do this more than once, you’ll need to consider replacing your water heater.