Even though water heaters are meant to stop corrosion, they have metal, water, and oxygen in them, which is the perfect mix to start the chemical reaction that causes corrosion. If there are any toxins or minerals in the water, they will make the condition even worse.
If you notice that your water heater is starting to show signs of corrosion, it is probably time to replace it. Find out how to spot the signs of corrosion in your water heater and what to do if you think corrosion is happening inside your water heater.
Does your water heater leak water or stop giving you hot water? Call (201) 977–6775 to reach West New York Plumbing and Heating for professional help.
How to Check for Corrosion in a Water Heater
If you want to know if your water heater is corroding or not, look for any of these three key warning signs:
- Water that looks rusty: If the hot water coming out of your hot water heater is rusty, this could be a sign of corrosion in the unit. Water heaters as young as eight years old can get rusty.
- Rusted valves: If your water heater’s water inlet valve or pressure relief valve is rusty, there is probably also rust inside the tank. By flushing the tank with vinegar and water, rust can be removed. It’s way past time for you to get a new water heater for your home.
- Water tank leaks: If the water tank itself seems to be leaking, you should call a plumber to make an appointment for a trained professional to check it out. Don’t give up until you’ve had a professional look at it. It may be hard to tell if the leak is coming from the seams of the tank or the drain valve. But you shouldn’t give up until you know what’s wrong.
Water heater corrosion can also be caused by minerals and sediments building up in your water heater and by the water heater’s age.
Corrosion in the water heater's connection
If the seams between the hot water tank and the pipes that connect to it look rusted or corroded, the water heater could break down in a major way soon. Rusting on any part of the tank of your water heater is a clear sign that it’s time to get a new one. If the corrosion is not taken care of, it will lead to leaks or flooding if it is not stopped.
On the other hand, if your water heater has corrosion where steel and copper pipes meet, this could be a sign of galvanic corrosion (electrochemical). Your home’s water pipes may need to be replaced, but once this is done, your water heater should be fine and be able to keep working as usual. The first thing you should do to fix the problem is to talk to a licensed plumber about what to do
How to Keep Your Water Heater From Rusting
If you keep up with basic water heater maintenance, you might be able to keep corrosion from shortening the life of your water heater.
- To reduce galvanic corrosion between steel and copper connections, plastic-lined nipples, also called dielectric nipples, should be used instead of galvanized pipe joints.
- The anode rod should be inspected once a year and replaced as needed.
- Drain the sediment out of the hot water tank once a year.
West New York Plumbing and Heating is the company to call if you need your water heater replaced.
Do you see any signs that the water heater is rusting? No problem! The water heater experts at your local West New York Plumbing and Heating are ready to help with any problem with a water heater. You can call us at (201) 977–6775 or fill out our estimate request form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
