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As essential as they are to your home, water heaters are, unfortunately, susceptible to corrosion due to various factors. This is particularly true in regions like the Pacific Northwest with a damp climate. To prevent moss, mold, mildew, and other moisture-related problems with your water heater, our experts at Campbell & Company have put together this guide to help with corrosion prevention strategies.

Understanding PNW Environmental Factors

The Pacific Northwest, including Yakima and the Tri-Cities area, is the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and moss to thrive. With the high humidity levels, frequent rainfall, and temperature fluctuations, it’s important to assess your water heater for potential damage and corrosion. Each of these factors can lead to corrosion in your water heater:

• High humidity levels: Elevated humidity, especially during the rainy season, can lead to the moist environments that mold and mildew need to thrive. With their metal surfaces, water heaters become a target for moisture retention, leading to mold and then corrosion over time.
• Frequent rainfall: Rainwater, combined with the organic matter present in the environment, creates a conducive environment for corrosion.
• Temperature fluctuations: The PNW exhibits temperature fluctuations, with varying degrees of cold and mild weather throughout the year. This leads to condensation collection on the surface of your water heater, which can ultimately cause corrosion.

The Impact of Corrosion on Water Heaters

Corrosion can significantly impact the operation and efficiency of your water heater, especially long-term exposure to a wet environment. Here are a few adverse effects of corrosion on your water heater:

• Efficiency & performance decline: Corrosion can compromise the integrity of your system, disrupting the heat transfer process.
• Tank deterioration: Tank deterioration can jeopardize the structure of your system and potentially lead to extensive property damage if left unattended.
• Damaged heating elements: Corroded heating elements not only diminish your system's performance but can also lead to increased operation costs and repairs.
• Impaired water quality: Corrosion can introduce rust particles into your water supply, resulting in discolored and foul-smelling water.
• Reduced life span: Continuous deterioration of components can shorten the life span of your water heater, leading to premature failure.

Noticing signs of distress with your water heater? Call us ASAP at (509) 412-3146 to receive the help you need!

Preventive Measures for Water Heater Corrosion

Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to help protect your water heater from moisture collection and corrosion. Some measures you can take to keep your water heater in good shape include:

• Regular inspections: Visually inspecting your water heater can help locate corrosion and prevent further damage to your system. Having it regularly inspected by a professional can provide a more comprehensive assessment of your water heater's health.
• Flushing the tank: Over time, minerals and debris can accumulate at the bottom of the water heater tank. Removing sediment build is an important part of preventing corrosion.
• Protective coating: Shield your tank with a layer of protective coating. With corrosion-resistant paint, you can protect your tank from external environmental factors.

Signs of Corrosion and When To Seek Professional Help

Identifying corrosion early can help prevent your system from experiencing extensive damage and deterioration, so it’s important to look out for any warning signs, such as:

• Visible rust: Regularly check your water heater to identify if there are any signs of rust.
• Discolored water: Not all rust is visible from the exterior of your water heater, so it’s also important to look at your hot water supply. If the hot water in your home is discolored or reddish, there could be rust inside your unit.
• Leaks: When a water heater corrodes, it starts to wear away, which can lead to it leaking. If you see your water heater actively leaking or see puddles around the unit, this could be a sign of corrosion.
• Strange noises: Ideally, you shouldn’t be hearing much from your water heater, so when you do, this is a cause for concern. Popping and crackling sounds often result from the expanding and contracting of metal due to corrosion, so keep an ear out for these noises.
• Reduced hot water supply: Your hot water supply can become compromised when essential heating elements are corroded, so call a professional if you suddenly find yourself without a sufficient amount of hot water.

Have you noticed any of these signs? If so, call the Campbell & Company team at (509) 412-3146 today to schedule a water heater repair or replacement in the Tri-Cities area.

Choose Campbell & Company for Top-Rated Water Heater Services

When you need a trusted plumber for your home’s water heater, look no further than Campbell & Company! Our team has proudly served Yakima, the Tri-Cities, and the surrounding areas since 1983. With decades of experience dealing with the unique environmental concerns of the Pacific Northwest, our water heater specialists can ensure your home is equipped with a dependable water heater. We install and service both traditional and tankless units, and we have special offers to help save you money on your water heater service!

Call Campbell & Company at (509) 412-3146 to schedule water heater services in Yakima or the Tri-Cities area.