Skip to main content

Say Goodbye to Chemical Cleaners

  Say Goodbye to Chemical Cleaners Emergency Plumbing Power Drain Rodding is real solution,  not store bought chemicals. Say Goodbye to Chemical Cleaners   If your drains are slow or backing up, you might be tempted to grab a bottle of store-bought drain cleaner. But these chemical solutions only offer a short-term fix. Worse, they can corrode your pipes, causing expensive damage down the line. At Emergency Plumbing, we specialize in safe, professional methods like drain rodding, ensuring your plumbing stays functional and damage-free.   The Problem with Chemical Cleaners   Chemical drain cleaners are often seen as a quick and easy fix for clogs, but they rarely address the deeper problem. These cleaners dissolve minor surface debris but fail to remove tough blockages like grease, roots, or buildup. Over time, their harsh ingredients can weaken pipe walls, leading to leaks and costly repairs.   Emergency Plumbing offers an effective alternative: mechanical ...
Post a Comment

Common Causes of Water Heater Rust and How to Prevent It

 

Common Causes of Water Heater Rust and How to Prevent It

 

Your water heater is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. With proper care, it can serve you for up to 20 years. However, rust is one of the leading causes of premature water heater failure, turning durable tanks into brittle, leaky messes. At Emergency Plumbing, we’re here to help you understand the common causes of water heater rust and, more importantly, how to prevent it.

 

Why Does Rust Occur in Water Heaters?

 

Rust is a natural reaction when metals like iron come into contact with water and oxygen. While water heaters are designed with built-in safeguards against rust, these measures can fail over time, leaving the tank vulnerable. Let’s explore the top causes of water heater rust.

 

1. Failed Anode Rods

Anode rods are your water heater’s first line of defense against rust. These steel rods, coated in aluminum, magnesium, or zinc, attract sediment and corrosion-causing elements, protecting the tank.

 

What Happens When They Fail?

When anode rods wear out, the tank becomes the next target for rust. Without routine inspections and timely replacements, this protective barrier disappears, leading to rapid tank deterioration.

 

Prevention Tip:

• Have your anode rods inspected every 6 to 12 months.

• Replace anode rods every 2 to 3 years to extend your water heater’s lifespan.

 

2. Hard Water and Sediment Build-Up

 

Hard water, rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, can wreak havoc on your water heater. Over time, these minerals settle at the tank’s bottom, creating an insulating layer that reduces heating efficiency and accelerates wear.

 

Hard water can also contain dissolved metals such as zinc, iron, and manganese, which increase the risk of rust.

 

Signs You Have Hard Water:

• Stubborn spots on glasses and dishes.

• Dry, itchy skin and brittle hair.

• Stiff or rough laundry.

• Metallic or sulfur-like odors in water.

 

Prevention Tip:

• Install a whole-house water softener to remove hard water minerals.

• Flush your water heater every 6 to 12 months to eliminate sediment.

 

3. Damaged Glass Liners

 

Water heaters are lined with a thin layer of glass to prevent water from touching the steel tank. Overheating caused by excessive sediment or lack of maintenance can crack this protective barrier, exposing the tank to rust.

 

Prevention Tip:

• Flush the water heater regularly to remove sediment.

• Schedule annual maintenance to check for signs of overheating or glass liner damage.

 

The Importance of Regular Water Heater Maintenance

 

Scheduling routine maintenance for your water heater can help you avoid costly repairs and extend its life. Here’s what maintenance should include:

• Flushing the Tank: Removes sediment and improves heating efficiency.

• Inspecting and Replacing Anode Rods: Protects the tank from corrosion.

• Testing the System: Ensures all components are working properly.

 

Benefits of Flushing Your Water Heater

 

Flushing your water heater offers multiple advantages:

• Improved Efficiency: Eliminates insulating sediment, reducing energy usage.

• Extended Lifespan: Limits corrosion, helping anode rods and tanks last longer.

• Better Water Pressure: Removes buildup that blocks water flow.

• Lower Energy Bills: A more efficient water heater means reduced energy costs.

 

Protect Your Water Heater with Emergency Plumbing

 

At Emergency Plumbing, we specialize in water heater maintenance and rust prevention. Our team serves homes across North Shore and Northwest suburbs of Chicago IL, and beyond, offering reliable services for:

• Plumbing

• Drains & Sewers

 

Whether you need a system flush, anode rod replacement, or help choosing a water softener, we’re here to help.

 

Contact us today to schedule maintenance or get a free quote. Protect your water heater and enjoy long-lasting performance with Emergency Plumbing.

 

Common Causes of Water Heater Rust and How to Prevent It

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Say Goodbye to Chemical Cleaners

  Say Goodbye to Chemical Cleaners Emergency Plumbing Power Drain Rodding is real solution,  not store bought chemicals. Say Goodbye to Chemical Cleaners   If your drains are slow or backing up, you might be tempted to grab a bottle of store-bought drain cleaner. But these chemical solutions only offer a short-term fix. Worse, they can corrode your pipes, causing expensive damage down the line. At Emergency Plumbing, we specialize in safe, professional methods like drain rodding, ensuring your plumbing stays functional and damage-free.   The Problem with Chemical Cleaners   Chemical drain cleaners are often seen as a quick and easy fix for clogs, but they rarely address the deeper problem. These cleaners dissolve minor surface debris but fail to remove tough blockages like grease, roots, or buildup. Over time, their harsh ingredients can weaken pipe walls, leading to leaks and costly repairs.   Emergency Plumbing offers an effective alternative: mechanical ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Achieve Clean and Healthy Air with NIKRO Duct Cleaning Systems

Achieve Clean and Healthy Air with NIKRO Duct Cleaning Systems   In any building, be it residential, commercial, or institutional, optimal airflow is essential for comfort and efficiency. One crucial factor in achieving this is maintaining clean ductwork. Dust, mold, and other contaminants can accumulate in ducts over time, leading to poor indoor air quality and decreased HVAC system performance. That's where NIKRO duct cleaning systems come into play, ensuring that your ducts are thoroughly cleaned and your indoor air remains fresh and healthy. As an authorized supplier of NIKRO duct cleaning systems, equipment, and accessories, Spycor Environmental is committed to providing top-of-the-line solutions for buildings of all sizes. NIKRO, as a member of the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA), upholds the highest standards in the industry, guaranteeing quality and reliability in every product. Whether you're tackling small residential ductwork or large-scale commercial ...
Post a Comment
Read more

What you need to know about home water filtration

  What you need to know about home water filtration. Emergency Plumbing: Your Trusted Water Filtration Experts in North Shore and Northwest Chicago Suburbs   When it comes to clean, safe, and healthy water for your home, Emergency Plumbing is your go-to expert for water filtration in North Shore and Northwest Chicago suburbs. Proudly serving areas like Glenview (60025), Highland Park (60035), Northbrook (60062), Arlington Heights (60004), Schaumburg (60193), and beyond ,we provide tailored solutions to meet your water quality needs.   With the most affordable deals for water filtration projects of all sizes, our services include:   1. Water Softeners   Hard water can wreak havoc on your appliances, pipes, and skin. Our water softeners reduce mineral deposits, leaving you with softer water that’s gentle on your plumbing and your family. Whether you’re battling scale buildup in Winnetka (60093) or seeking softer water for your Inverness (60067) home, we install an...
Post a Comment
Read more