3 Signs That a Water Heating Tank Needs Immediate Repairs
The basics of hot water tanks have not changed much over the last few decades. Unfortunately, once installed and commissioned, attention to the maintenance of a hot water tank fades gradually. It is a mentality that can be attributed to the long service life of hot water systems. Therefore, proper maintenance is crucial if you expect a water heater system to run efficiently for the max of 12 years of service life. If you are an electrician but a newbie in hot water heating systems, then this article highlights signs that the solution needs immediate repairs.
Temperature Fluctuations
An efficiently functioning hot water system is supposed to maintain a constant temperature range. Therefore, operators must keep a record of set temperatures and monitor the thermostat to ensure that the reading is within range. However, if you notice erratic temperature fluctuations, then it could be a sign of a cracked dip tube that is releasing cold water near the top of the tank. Although it can be challenging to notice the temperature fluctuation at first, the issue becomes apparent as the hot water temperature drops at the outlet. Therefore, ensure that you check the dip tube for signs of cracking.
Leaking Pressure Relief Valve
All water heater tanks are equipped with a Pressure Relief Valve (PRV). The PRV's primary function is to release pressure resulting from expanding water during the heating process. Therefore, the PRV must always be in excellent condition to ensure pressure release when need be. However, since pressure release often happens intermittently within a water heater tank, little attention is given to the pressure relief valve. Such mentality makes it hard to identify potential leaks in the PRV in good time. A leaking pressure relief valve is, therefore, a sign of looming catastrophe as pressure builds up inside a hot water tank. The best cause of action is to turn off the water heater and replace the PRV as soon as possible.
Discoloured Water
The lining on the inside of a hot water tank is protected from rust by an anode rod, which attracts chemicals that are present in the water. It ensures that the tanks last throughout the manufacturer indicated service life. A tank with an anode rod that is in excellent condition flows with clear water at the outlet. However, if the colour of the water changes from clear to reddish, then the tank might have started to erode. In most cases, the anode rod needs replacing. As a general rule, always monitor the colour of the water coming from the tank for signs of a deteriorating anode rod.
As a part of your hot water maintenance plan, make sure to consistently be checking for these issues so that you can either avoid large repairs or prevent them from getting larger.
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