First up: leaks. Water heaters don't just leak randomly. They usually drip from the tank bottom or fittings—like a slow leak from a worn-out seal. If you spot water pooling around your heater, turn off the power and water supply right away. Don't wait until it floods your basement. Check the pressure relief valve too—it's often the culprit behind unexpected drips.
That little reset button on your water heater? It trips way more often than you think. Most of the time, it's not the brand—it's a faulty thermostat or a buildup of sediment. If it keeps tripping, try flushing your tank. Sediment clogs the heating element and makes your heater work harder, which triggers the reset. Flushing takes 30 minutes and saves you from a $300 repair.
Here's the thing: most people don't flush their water heaters. But if yours is over 5 years old, it's time to act. Sediment builds up at the bottom and makes your heater inefficient. You'll notice longer heating times and higher bills. Flushing it yearly is cheap and easy—just turn off the power, attach a hose, and let the tank drain. Do it before winter hits, or you'll be shivering through your next shower.
And if your water heater's been acting up for years? Don't just replace it. Check the anode rod—it's the hero inside that fights corrosion. If it's rusty or gone, replace it for $50 instead of $1,000 for a new tank. It's a quick fix that extends your heater's life by years.
Don't waste money on brand comparisons. Focus on what's broken. A leaking water heater from a cheap brand isn't worse than one from a fancy brand. The fix is the same. So next time your hot water vanishes, skip the panic. Check for leaks, flush the tank, and you'll probably save yourself a headache—and a few pounds.)
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Orin Trask
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