Why This Water Heater Failed | Ask This Old House

In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey gives host Kevin O’Connor an inside look at why a water heater fails. SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse. Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey takes host Kevin O’Connor for an inside look at a water heater at the end of its life. Richard explains to Kevin how most folks don’t think about their water heaters until it’s too late, so he cuts open the tank to show Kevin what occurs inside. Steel and Water Don’t Mix The typical water heater in the U.S. is a gas-fired tank model consisting of a steel tank with a glass lining. While the glass serves to separate the water inside the tank from the steel, water will eventually make it through. When it does, the steel begins to oxidize (rust), leading to a breakdown of the materials in the tank. Indicators of this happening are rust around the flue passageway (essentially the tank’s chimney), and around the water outlet fittings. But, the tank might look absolutely fine on the outside while being a total mess on the inside. The Inside is a Total Mess If someone were to cut open the average water heater once it's past its serviceable life, they might startle at what they see inside. Rust, sediment, mineral build-up, and other general ugliness that floats around in potable water is gross. They might even notice what looks like a rotten growth hanging down from the underside of the tank. This is the anode, and it’s a sacrificial rod meant to save the tank from rot. Once it’s gone, the tank is next. Corrosion Happens When a water heater is new, the interior of the tank is generally shiny and glazed. However, once the anode is devoured by corrosion, the water will start on the inside of the tank and its components. Also, as minerals in the water build-up, they form barnacle-type chunks of sediment and sink to the bottom of the tank. Set Reasonable Expectations Homeowners should set reasonable expectations for their water heater. Ten to 12 years is typically the max the average water heater can go unserviced. If the user changes the anode rod every 3 to 5 years, they may be able to expect 20 years from their water heater. If a water heater is around those ages, homeowners should consider replacing it before the inevitable leak occurs. Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://ift.tt/EoLdl7e About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home. Follow This Old House: Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG Why This Water Heater Failed | Ask This Old House https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/