Here's how you can prevent a water heater tank failure

No homeowner wants to find out there is a problem with the water heater the hard way. A water heater tank failure can result in a burst tank and a flooded garage / home, costing you thousands in repairs. By knowing the warning signs of impending water heater problems, you can better avoid this catastrophe and keep your water heater running better for longer.In this article, we'll review just some of the ways you can prevent a water heater tank failure, and when you should call the team at Wagner for plumbing repairs here in Albuquerque.

Know the signs

How do you know that trouble is brewing within your water heater? If you notice any of the following changes, call the professionals at Wagner and have us inspect your water heater. You may need to have your water heater repaired or replaced:

• You run out of hot water quickly when showering, doing laundry, or washing dishes.
• Your water has a metallic smell or taste or is rust-colored.
• Your tank drips water from any pipes or has water collecting underneath.

Any of these signs should be enough to concern you, especially if your water heater tank is getting up there in age or the sacrificial anode rod has already been spent.

Know the causes

Nothing lasts forever, and eventually all tank water heaters start to show signs of stress and corrosion. In most cases, standard water heaters last about a decade or so—potentially longer if the anode rod is replaced halfway through the water heater's lifespan. If yours has been around for 10 years or longer, you should be extra vigilant about potential problems.Other factors that can contribute to a tank burst include:

• High water pressure in your home
• Hard water, which leads to faster scale buildup inside the tank

Know the solution

If you suspect any of these problems, you should not ignore them. The best thing you can do to prevent a water heater tank failure is to inspect, monitor, and maintain your tank regularly.A visual inspection is just a starting point. You should have your automatic shut-off valve tested to determine if it is functioning properly. If your home doesn't have an automatic shut-off valve installed, you should call Wagner and have us put one in.Thanks to Wagner, you don’t have to be an expert on water heater tanks. Our plumbers not only inspect and repair your tank, but we can also replace yours with a more energy-efficient standard or tankless system. Contact us to schedule an appointment.