How Salt Air Affects Your Water Heater
Coastal living is a dream for many and a reality for many more. However, living close to an ocean or sea can cause problems with your appliances. If you plan to move to an area that has salt air, there are some precautions to consider so you can get the most from your appliances.
If you live in the Pensacola area, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is one of the best plumbers in the area, and they can help you resolve the effects of salt air on your water heater call us for an appointment or for more information. Our motto is “If there’s any delay it’s YOU we pay”, so we’re sure you’ll be happy with our service!
What Is Salt Water?
Most, but not all, water contains at least a small amount of salt and minerals. This is called fresh water and is found sparingly throughout the earth. Salt water comprises most of the bodies of water on earth, and it’s about 3.5% salt, although this varies by location.
How Does Salt Water Adversely Affect My Water Heater?
Salt water is an electrolyte, which means it creates favorable conditions for rust and corrosion. When you live near a large body of saltwater, your water heater, as well as your other appliances, are constantly bombarded by salt air, which is a corrosive substance that reduces their ability to function. A few preventive measures and some simple modifications can prevent excessive damage from the rust and corrosion caused by salt air.
Along with salt air, many coastal locations are humid, so the dampness in the air accelerates the corrosion on the water heater, both inside and outside of it. Areas with hard water will incur increased corrosion due to the accumulation of sediment at the bottom of the tank.
Depending on the type and location of your water heater, you may experience different types of corrosion.
Inside installation:
If your water heater is installed inside the house, you may experience less rust and corrosion on the outside of the unit, but more on the inside of it.
Outside installation:
If your unit is installed outside, then you may have more rust and corrosion on exterior surfaces and connections.
Anode Rod
Rust and corrosion can cause accelerated depletion of the anode rod, whether the unit is installed inside or outside. Tankless units don’t have an anode rod; only traditional tank units have them, and their purpose is to inhibit rust and corrosion in the tank.
What Are Signs My Water Heater Needs Service?
Rust and Leaks
Rust can deteriorate the bottom of your tank water heater, so you may notice leakage or puddles around the unit, usually at the bottom. Leakage isn’t as common on a tankless unit, and if there is a leak, it will usually be around the connections. Even if it’s a small leak, it’s important to address the issue without delay. A small leak can indicate a weakening of the structural stability of the unit, and waiting to repair the unit can cause expensive repairs in the future.
Rust can also occur around connections, so you may also notice leakage there. If your unit is leaking, be sure to call us for an appointment.
Discolored Water
If your water is brown, murky, or discolored, you may have rust or corrosion in the interior of your unit. No one wants to drink or bathe in murky or discolored water, so let us restore your water quality. We can address the issues with your water heater so you’re comfortable with the quality of your water.
Utility Bills
If the rust or corrosion has reached the heating element, you may notice an increase in your utility bill because the heating element has to struggle to heat the water.
Our Recommendations
If you live in a coastal area, we recommend that you conduct periodic maintenance on your unit. It can be as simple as rinsing it off periodically, visually checking for leaks, rust, and corrosion, and measuring the water temperature.
We also recommend that you have annual professional maintenance to ensure that your water heater is in good repair. Keeping your water heater in good condition helps ensure that you have clean, hot showers when you want them and don’t experience flooding or other calamities due to a burst water heater.
Need An Appointment?
If you need an appointment. call us, and remember, our motto is “If there’s any delay it’s YOU we pay”, so we’re sure you’ll be happy with our service! Call us today. We look forward to speaking with you.
