People don’t realize the importance of a water heater until it stops working mid-shower, leaving you with your hair drenched in shampoo. In order to avoid these unexpected, unpleasant experiences, homeowners need to carry out proper maintenance periodically. Since most water heaters are made of metal, corrosion is always a possibility. And while they’re designed to mitigate this risk—which includes glass insulation inside the tank and an anode rod—corrosion can still take place, eventually resulting in a leak. If there’s rusty water coming out of the faucets, you need to reach out to a water heater expert. But before it reaches that stage, here’s how you can check up on the health of your water heater.

The Anode Rod

This is a special rod that’s fixed inside the body of the water heater to prevent the tank from corrosion. It attracts calcium and magnesium components from the water and corrodes over time. If not treated in time, rust can set in, leading to the rod becoming ineffectual. In order to prevent rusting and leaking, the anode rod—also known as the sacrificial rod—needs to be examined at least twice a year for traces of rust.

Mineral Deposits

When water is heated, a layer of sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank. This layer reduces the efficiency of the water heater, keeping the water from heating, and melting the protective glass lining. Flushing the tank periodically can improve its efficiency and reduce further damage. Sediment build-up can also lead to the formation of a rare bacterium, Legionella, as the water isn’t heated enough to kill it. This bacterium causes a rare lung infection known as Legionnaire’s Disease, which can become a health hazard for homeowners.

Corrosive Substances

Many people don’t realize that corrosive fumes like bleach are harmful to water heaters. Water heaters use the surrounding air for combustion. If the air carries corrosive fumes, it can easily corrode the water heater, resulting in premature leaks. This can be avoided if substances like bleach and ammonia are kept away from the water heater.

Improper Size

The size of a water heater varies depending on the water usage of the homeowner. If the tank is too small for your water heating needs, it may wear out sooner than expected. Make sure to buy a size which best fits your water needs to avoid rust and leaks before the heater’s time. Proper maintenance of water heaters is the key to a long-lasting unit. If you’re unsure about the condition of your water heater, get in touch with Miami Water Heater at 305-633-2656 and have one of their professional plumbers diagnose it. We’ve been offering safe and quick plumbing installations, maintenance and repairs by highly-trained and licensed technicians across Miami, Florida for many years now.