A Guide for Troubleshooting your Water Heater is How to Troubleshoot Your Water Heater and Check It for Corrosion

A Guide for Troubleshooting your Water Heater is How to Troubleshoot Your Water Heater and Check It for Corrosion

Water heaters include metal, water, and oxygen, which is the perfect mixture for starting the chemical reaction that causes corrosion even though they are designed to stop it from happening. The illness will become considerably worse if there are any poisons or minerals in the water.

It’s probably time to replace your water heater if you discover that it is starting to show signs of corrosion. Learn how to spot the telltale signs of water heater corrosion and what to do if you have cause to suspect that corrosion is occurring inside your water heater.

Is your water heater leaking or failing to heat enough water for you to use? Contact BJC Plumbers North Bergen at (201) 389-9959  for qualified assistance.

How to Evaluate Water Heater Corrosion: What to Look For

To determine whether your water heater is corroding, look for any of these three critical warning signs:

  1. Water that is discolored with rust: If the hot water coming from your hot water heater is discolored with rust, your unit can be corroded. Water heaters can develop rust even if they are only eight years old.
  2. Rusted valves: If your water heater’s pressure release valve or water inlet valve has rust, it’s possible that the tank itself also has rust. By flushing the tank with vinegar and water, rust can be removed. You need to replace the water heater in your house immediately!
  3. Leaking water tanks: It is crucial to contact a plumber to arrange for a skilled expert to conduct an inspection if the water tank appears to be dropping water. Even though it could be challenging to tell whether the leak is coming from the drain valve or the seams of the tank, don’t give up until you obtain a professional diagnosis. Nevertheless, you must persevere until a diagnosis is made.

In addition to the water heater’s age, other potential causes of corrosion in your water heater include the accumulation of minerals and particles.

Corrosion in the Water Heater's Connections

If it seems that the joints connecting the hot water tank and its attached pipes are corroded or rusted, a catastrophic breakdown of the water heater might be only around the corner. Your water heater needs to be replaced with a new one if there is any rust on the tank, no matter where it is located. If the corrosion is not controlled, eventually it will cause leaks or flooding if it is not prevented.

On the other hand, galvanic corrosion may be present if you notice corrosion at the intersection of steel and copper pipes on your water heater (electrochemical). Your home’s water pipes may need to be replaced, but if that work is done, your water heater should be OK and able to function regularly. Getting help from a competent plumber is the first step you should take to resolve the problem.

How to Prevent Your Water Heater from Corrosion

You might be able to stop corrosion from shortening the lifespan of your water heater if you adhere to a basic maintenance program for it.

  • Galvanized pipe joints should be replaced with plastic-lined nipples, also known as dielectric nipples, to reduce galvanic corrosion between steel and copper connections.
  • The anode rod should be examined annually, and it should be changed as necessary.
  • Drain the sediment out of the hot water tank once a year.

The business to contact if your water heater has to be replaced is BJC Plumbers North Bergen.

Are there any signs of rust in the water heater, do you think? No issue! The water heater experts in your local BJC Plumbers North Bergen are equipped to handle any problems involving water heaters. Call us at (201) 389-9959, or use our online form to obtain an estimate, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.