Water Heaters - Water Heater Dealers
Marin County, San Francisco North Bay, Ca. USA

It is important that a water heater, particularly a combustion type, be properly installed to avoid safety hazards. The area around it must be kept clear. The T&P (Temperature and Pressure) relief valve should be tested at least yearly. Sediment that accumulates in the bottom of the tank should be drained out at least yearly, to maintain heating efficiency and to make the tank last longer.

In the past, tanks were made out of copper and were very corrosion resistant; they could last for decades. Now tanks are made out of steel lined with glass or porcelain. A steel tank can rust and leak. To prevent this, sacrificial anode rods of magnesium or aluminum alloy themselves undergo galvanic corrosion to reduce corrosion of the steel tank. Tanks with longer guarantees have increased anode material — when the anode is used up, the tank will rust. It may be possible to check the anode condition, and replace it if it is wearing out. Modern US water heater tanks last about ten years. The tank should have a tray underneath to contain leaks and channel them into a drain.
Simple, battery-powered alarms are available for $10-$30 that alert the homeowner to leaks. All water heaters will eventually leak, so it is important to know where the water supply shutoff valve is located!

After you get it shut off call a local Water Heater - Dealer on this page

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