This expansion can be regulated using an external thermal expansion tank to allow excess water to escape from and reduce the pressure inside of the tank. Because of this phenomenon, water at 145 degrees occupies more space than the same volume of water at 125 degrees, and the water pressure increases proportionately. When energy (in the form of heat) is applied to water, its particles move faster and occupy more space, a concept known as thermal expansion. The most common causes include elevated water temperatures, excessive exterior water supply pressure, and relief valve or thermal expansion tank failure. Increased pressure can be caused by various conditions. If the pressure inside of the water heater becomes too great, it can cause the tank to leak or even burst. Of course (as mentioned), this solution will require the sacrificial anode to be replaced more frequently.įigure 3: Leaking water heater due to increased pressure in the tank
#Average age of water heater failure install
Another more preventative option is to install a water softener, as scale is only created when hard water is heated. One method is to flush the tank periodically to remove scale particles and prevent buildup. There are two ways to mitigate this scale build-up effect. In some extreme cases, scale build-up can cause the entire bottom of the tank to disintegrate. Once this lining has melted away, the exposed steel begins to corrode and weaken, eventually leading to the tank leaking at the bottom. When hard water (which has a high mineral content) is heated, it creates a calcium carbonate deposit known as “scale.” Over time, these scale deposits build up on the bottom of the tank and create an insulating effect, leading the tank to overheat, which in turn slowly melts the tank’s protective glass lining. Homeowners using a water softener should increase the frequency of anode rod replacement, as salt used in water softeners increases the rate of corrosion.įigure 2: Rusted bottom of a water heater tank due to the buildup of scale Property owners should replace the water heater’s anode rod(s) every five years to prevent steel liner corrosion. If not replaced in time, the water’s corrosive elements will begin to attack the steel lining of the tank. Because the rods attract these corrosive elements, they must be monitored for corrosion. These anode rods are composed of magnesium, aluminum or an aluminum-zinc alloy with a steel core wire. Some larger residential tanks can contain two rods, while commercial tanks may contain up to five. Traditional, tank-style water heaters are installed with at least one sacrificial anode rod, whose sole purpose, as the name implies, is to attract corrosive elements in the water and prevent the tank’s steel lining from deteriorating. Two primary causes of tank rust or corrosion are failing to replace the sacrificial anode and allowing scale to build up.įigure 1: Diagrams of a gas (left) and electric (right) water heaterįailure to replace the sacrificial anode rod By periodically checking the water heater for any signs of rust and performing preventative maintenance, property owners can prolong the life of their water heater and greatly reduce the risk of premature failure. The most common reason for a leaking water heater, internal rust or corrosion, often results from a lack of routine maintenance. Adjusters need to handle these claims with care, as the exact cause of the damage may or may not be a loss covered by the policy. On average, residential water heaters cost only $1,500 to replace, but a leaking or burst water heater typically tacks on over $3,000 in additional property damage, not including any additional living expenses that may be incurred. A residential water heater holds 20 to 80 gallons of water, which can cause significant water damage to property upon failure. Water heaters have an average lifespan of 10–20 years, but that can be significantly reduced without proper routine maintenance-substantially increasing the risk of failure.Īccording to an IBHS study, 69% of all water heater failures result from a slow leak or a sudden burst. The following article on “What causes a water heater to leak or rupture?”, written by Reza Nikrooz of StrikeCheck, originally appeared in the Technical Notebook Column of Claims Magazine and was also published on Property Casualty 360.Īs many adjusters know, water heater failure often leads to significant property damage.
0 kommentar(er)
