Off the top of your head, could you give reasons why water heaters fail and would you know what to do about it?
If not, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the major causes of water heater failure and signs that it’s time for repair:
What Causes Water Heater Failure?
1. Lack of inspections
When is the last time you have inspected your water heater and checked for any signs of damage? Failure to regularly check on your water heater is one of the top reasons why they fail.
People often miss the signs that their water heater needs maintenance because they don’t examine the heaters as often as they should.
2. Corrosion
Water heaters have anode rods, which help to remove corrosion away from the tank. When these rods are not replaced, they can deteriorate. This means that your tank will no longer be able to keep corrosion away.
3. Sediment
When hard water is heated, sediment can build up at the bottom of the tank and clog water passages. Regular flushing and cleaning of the tank can prevent sediment from blocking these passages.
4. Improper sizing
Do you have the proper sized water heater for your water usage? You don’t want a water heater that is too small for the amount of water you use. Improper sized heaters can cause them to break down from being required to do more than it’s capable of.
5. High water pressure
It’s not recommended to go above 80 psi for water heater pressure. High water pressure can cause the tank and associated water appliances to burst or become damaged.
6. Old age
Water heaters usually last for at least 10 years. If you’ve had a water heater for over 10 years, it’s possible that it may not last too much longer.
Signs your water heater is failing
If you notice any of these signs, your water heater will need maintenance or possible replacement:
Rusty water
Loud cracking or popping noises coming from the heater
Water is leaking from or surrounding the tank
You have no hot water or water will only get warm and not hot
Your heater needs constant repairs one after another
At Allied Insurance Managers, we believe in making sure you are always knowledgeable about things that are important for you to know.
We know these water heater failure causes and signs will help you ensure your water heater is working properly.
We know the summertime brings opportunities to go swimming in your own personal pool or maybe at a nearby waterpark.
To make sure you and your family have the best pool experience as possible, we are sharing some safety tips courtesy of Citizens:
What to Do
Make sure you have rules for your personal pool and that you go over it with all of your family members.
If you are planning to swim somewhere else, review this person’s or facility’s rules before going into the pool.
Keep children away from pool outlets to prevent them from becoming entrapped on these filters, which could lead to drowning.
Make sure children are taught how to swim and wear protective swimwear at all times.
Keep your pool fenced off according to regulations in your area.
Avoid swimming during thunderstorms and other bad weather conditions.
What Not to Do
Allow all glass, sharp and breakable items near and inside the pool
Swim by yourself or allow others to swim alone
Leave children unaccompanied in the pool
Allow adults who have consumed alcohol to be in the pool
Allow running, diving, pushing, and dunking in the pool
Safety Checklist
Now that you know what to do and not do, here’s a safety checklist you should make sure you review with your family:
Have a cell phone available nearby along with important emergency contact numbers.
Gather leftover toys in the pool area to prevent children from wandering after them
Have someone available that knows CPR
Remove items that children could climb on to prevent them access into the pool
When leaving the pool, be sure to check that all gates, alarms, and locks are working properly.
At Allied Insurance Managers, we know how important pool safety is for you and your family. We know these tips will help to have fun and stay safe while in the pool.
Did you know that three out of four child safety seats are installed improperly? Check out these five ways to ensure your child’s safety seat is properly installed.
When it comes to the classic car market, studying the past performance of cars for sale — as well as similar models from the same manufacturer or even the same era — can allow us to see what’s coming, what’s going and what’s staying put. Based on historical market data gathered by Hagerty®, here are three cars to buy now, sell now or hold a while longer:
BUY: 1967–69 Chevrolet Camaro
If you’ve ever had a hankering for a first-generation Camaro, now might be a great time to get one. Sale prices for these handsome pony cars rose to a fever pitch during the muscle boom a decade ago, and many became unobtainable to average collectors. These days, order has been restored, and while the Camaro has been busy celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, prices have remained stable. The 33 rating means the first-gen cars aren’t gaining value at the same rate as the market at large, but they’re not depreciating, either, which makes them a bit of a bargain at the moment. The ’69s carry a bit of a premium, but as an example, you should be able to get into a good #3 driver-condition SS350 for about $26,000 – $34,000.
SELL: 1968–83 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
Remember that one time in 2014–15, when the market for FJ40s blew up before our eyes and average prices for #3 drivers just about doubled? Crazy. The ubiquitous Land Cruiser is still ahead of the market in its performance, as its 71 rating attests, but prices have been falling steadily (and dramatically) over the last year. This trend looks set to continue in the near future, so if you’ve got one and have been considering selling it, now’s the time. If you’ve owned it for a while, you may just make a decent return on it.
HOLD: 1985–96 Ferrari Testarossa/512TR
Arguably the most iconic car of the 1980s — yet still a product of the ’80s and thus somehow… “lesser” than its predecessors — the Testarossa held firm in the market for a good long time, with average prices unchanged from 2009 to late 2013. Then folks got wise to those deeply straked doors’ cool factor, and all hell broke loose. Or, more likely, blame it on the Gen Xers, who were finally able to buy the cars they lusted after throughout childhood. Even though auction cars still occasionally hit the jackpot, prices have generally leveled out. Best advice is to keep it in your garage, enjoy it, and keep an eye on the market. You may be setting yourself up for a nice gain down the road.