7 Causes of Water Heater Failures- The Ultimate Guide


Hot water problems are some of the common plumbing problems in various homes. Some of the causes of these problems are plumbing-related, electrical among others.  Repairing the water heating equipment is expensive; hence many homeowners lose hope in finding an amicable solution. They are also faced with the challenge of finding a plumber who has basic electrical knowledge. Hiring an electrician and a plumber is costly. In this regard, these are causes of water heating failures:

  • Loose Parts

It is practically impossible for a hot water system to work if there are any loose bolts or nuts. You can check water leakages from the bolts of the heating equipment.  To solve this problem, you should first tighten the nuts and bolts. Later, contact a professional if the problem persists.

  • Incorrect Water Pressure

High water pressure can cause damage to your water heater appliances and also your piping system. Identifying leakage from the hot water system is the best way to spot this problem. The recommended pressure is 80psi, and if the problem continues, you can adjust the pressure valve.

  • Mineral Build-Up

Mineral build-up can gradually break down heating elements. The reason is that the minerals solidify by encasing the heating elements hence making them work extra harder. In the long run, your heating element will not serve you long enough because of the gradual wear of the heating elements. To avoid mineral build-up, you can drain the tank after turning off your heater.

  • Faulty Electrical Connection

A water heater that is not working could be a result of a poor electrical connection. In many cases, the heater is not a problem but an electrical connection. A fuse that is blown or broken power cord could be an issue with an electrical heater.
  • Rust
Rust is one of the most common causes of water heater failure. There are rods called artificial anodes which prevent corrosion of the metal in the heating element. However, the rods will need to be replaced over time since they start to rust themselves. You should check up on the sacrificial anodes yearly to make sure they are in good shape.
  • A Broken Thermostat
A thermostat is a necessary heating element, and if it is broken, there is no hot water. You should ensure your thermostat is in good shape. If it is damaged, you call a professional to do a replacement.
  • Old Age
The lifespan of many water heaters is approximately 12 years. After 12 years, the water heaters start breaking down. A flickering pilot light is a warning sign that your heater needs a replacement. To update an energy-efficient system that will save you money, you should replace the old water heater with a new one.

The Final Word

To prevent water heater failures, you should conduct routine plumbing maintenance. You should check out faulty electrical connections, replace old water heaters and so forth. To perform professional supervision, you should create a good rapport with plumbers and electricians.  Professional plumbers will advise you on plumbing-related technicalities while a professional electrician advises on electrical technicalities. Finally, the causes of water heater failures are preventable only if accurate installation is done.