A water heater is vital to every household. Whether you want to take a warm shower, wash your hands, wash the dishes, or do the laundry, having a well-functioning water heater is a necessity.
Your water heater while generally maintenance free isn’t built to last forever. All water heaters have a limited lifespan. If you are reading this article, chances are you suspect it might be time to replace your water heater.
A few factors may affect and potentially shorten the water heater’s durability, such as water quality, household size, or how well it was maintained. Here are a few indicators that you need a new water heater:
Your Water Heater Is Old
Most water heaters are built to last approximately 10 years. If you don’t know how old your water heater is, try to find out by looking at the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker where the first two numbers indicate the last two digits of the year in question. You can also try and check the manufacturer’s website. If you don’t remember when was the last time you replaced your water heater unit, chances are it is too old.
It Makes Strange Noises
As it gets older, your water heater might start making strange noises. Over time sediment accumulates on the bottom of the water heater tank. Due to the constant water heating, the sediment hardens and produces strange noises. Sediment buildup causes the water heater to run less efficiently and may eventually lead to malfunction, cracks, and leaks. There is a possibility you can solve the problem by flushing the water heater, which should remove the sediment at the bottom. However, if the sediment sits at the bottom for too long or if there is too much of it, this might not help.
It Leaks
If you notice water around your water heater, there might be several causes for it. First, check if the leaking is coming from the fittings or connections to the tank. Make sure to also check the temperature and pressure overflow pipe. If you determine those are dry, and there is no water leaking, the leaks probably come directly from your water heater tank. This happens because of expansions in metal. The metal expands when it is heated, and if there are any fractures in your water tank, the tank might start leaking. Maybe it won’t happen when the fractures first occur, but it is inevitable with time and constant heating. If your water heater tank is leaking, there is a risk of a water tank burst and property damage. Therefore, if you determine that the leaking comes from the tank, replace it immediately.
You have Rusty Water
If you notice the hot water is brown or rusty, it is usually a sign that the inside of your water tank is rusting. Rusting will eventually lead to leaking because the corrosion will eat through the metal.
However, there are some other causes of rusty water. One way of determining whether the problem is in the water tank is to fill up one bucket with hot water and the other one with cold water. If only the hot water is rusty, the problem is the water heater, and it needs replacing. Whether you see rust on the outside of the tank or notice rusty water, it is always best to contact a professional to inspect your water heater unit.
It has Heating Problems or a Lack of Hot Water
The most obvious sign that your water heater might need replacing is a problem with reaching or maintaining adequate temperature, or an insufficient amount of hot water. If your water heater cannot reach the adequate heat level or maintain a constant temperature, check what your thermostat is set to. The ideal temperature range is between 110 and 140 degrees. If the thermostat is properly adjusted, but the water temperature is still inconsistent, the heating element in your water heater might be broken. If you are constantly running out of hot water before you finish showering, it might be for the same reason.
If you are experiencing any of these problems give Service Pro Plumbing a call. We provide water heater replacement every day of the week. As many people often ignore heating problems and delay replacement, it becomes an unnecessary and avoidable emergency. Service Pro Plumbing will still be there for you as we provide 24x7 support.
Give Service Pro Plumbing a call today. (360) 342-4425.
