Why Do Water Heaters Fail And Break?

On average, a modern storage-type water heater will last about 8 to 12 years, according to Inspectapedia.com (and others). Of course, those averages don’t take into account the kind of water quality problems that we have here in Central Massachusetts, which can shorten water heater life substantially.

But why does a water heater fail in the first place, and is there anything you can do to slow down or even prevent a water heater breakdown? Here are some insights from our water heater experts.

Causes and solutions for common water heater problems

• Problem 1: Internal rust – An anode rod – a steel core wire surrounded with either aluminum, magnesium or zinc that mounts to the top of your heater – helps prevent corrosion in the inner lining of your water heater’s storage tank. It does this by drawing the corrosion process to itself rather than the tank lining (the anode rod is sometimes called a “sacrificial rod” for this reason). A typical anode rod will last about five years – if you use a water softener, as many people do here in Central MA, that number can get cut in half. Once an anode rod rots, it needs to be replaced quickly to prevent accelerated tank rust.

  Solution: Get regular professional maintenance for your water heater, and make sure the technician checks the anode rod; do this a minimum of once every other year.

• Problem 2: Sediment buildup – When water is heated, mineral deposits – sediment –separate and settle onto the bottom of your water heater tank. Over time, these sediment deposits accumulate, reducing the efficiency of your water heater and ultimately damaging the tank.

  Solution: Flush your water heater once a year.

• Problem 3: High water pressure – Overly high water pressure can damage your water heater, pipes, and appliances. If water is leaking from the overflow pipe on the side of your water heater, you could have a water pressure problem.

  Solution: Keep the water pressure on your heater no higher than 80 psi, and consider replacing your temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve.

• Problem 4: Improper sizing – If your water heater is too small for the demands of your home and family, it will overwork to do its job, leading to wear and tear and a potential premature breakdown.

  Solution: Contact an expert to make sure your current water heater is right-sized for your home and lifestyle.

• Problem 5: Age – Once a conventional (storage-type) water heater reaches its second decade, it’s living on borrowed time (here in Massachusetts, poor water quality can accelerate a water heater’s demise dramatically). Keep an eye out for some of the telltale signs of water heater mentioned above, plus any other obvious signs of diminished performance (higher energy bills, for example).

  Solution: Get regular maintenance for your water heater to stay proactive in staving off the impact of aging equipment. If your water heater is at the end of its life span, consider proactively replacing it with a reliable new high efficiency water heater upgrade.

Having problems with your water heater? Don’t delay – contact the pros at Pioneer Oil and Propane for expert water heater maintenance, water heater repairs, and water heater installations in and around our Worcester, MA service area.

If you’re considering an upgrade to a tankless water heater, act now – Rinnai rebates expire 12/31!