5 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Water Heater
Water heater replacement isn’t usually high on the homeowners’ list of priorities, in spite of the fact that the average person uses warm or hot water up to 20 times a day. It is an oft-ignored appliance that does its job without much fuss…until it doesn’t. When it comes to finding the right company for the job, the process can be overwhelming. They may or may not get the job done quickly, efficiently or at a fair price. Additionally, how do you even know for sure that you need a water heater replacement in Granbury? Find out the five signs of replacement and learn if it’s time for you to repair or replace your system.
1. Strange Noises:
If your hot water heater goes bump in the night (or morning…or afternoon…or evening), you could be due for a replacement. Just like humans, water heaters begin making all manner of noises as they age. The water that you use in your home has thousands of tiny, microscopic minerals and particles in it that settle at the bottom of the tank and become what is known as “sediment”. You can hear the hardened sediment buildup in the form of banging, rumbling, or hissing noises from inside the heater.
2. Discolored Tap Water:
A surefire sign of a water heater on the fritz is the presence of rusty water flowing from your tap. Water plus internal corrosion in the tank, equals rust. Pro tip: If you have just purchased a new water heater or it is still early in the life of your appliance, request that a professional install a new zinc anode rod in the water heater. This addition will help with corrosion, the sulfur smell, and the overall life of your unit. The same rule applies if you notice rust around your valve/inlet. If you see rust in this area, it is likely that rust has corroded the inside of the tank as well.
Is it the Pipes or the Heater?
There is a surefire way to discern whether the rust is a water heater issue or a pipe issue. You will need a bucket to collect about three buckets of hot water from the tank. If the water is still rusty after three buckets, it is a tank issue and not a pipe issue. Steel may be the strongest metal, but it is still vulnerable to rust and corrosion.
3. Shorter Shower Times
Is the hot water not quite making it to the end of the hair wash cycle? Insufficient hot water is another indicator that you need to replace your water heater. You can troubleshoot this issue by checking and readjusting your thermostat between 120 and 140 degrees, or by checking the heating element for malfunctions.
A faulty heating element is an issue that you can easily identify. If your water remains cold in spite of running for a few minutes, you probably have a heating element problem. If neither of these are the problem, then the malfunction is likely from a tank that is too small for the size house you have.
At times, this issue is due to the heater’s inability to adequately heat the water through the sediment build-up on the tank bottom. If your hot water issue is more about supply, you may want to replace the system with a tankless water heater.
4. You Spring A Leak
Leaks are never a good sign, and your water heater is no exception to the rule. Over time, the consistent heating and cooling of the liquid and the expansion and contraction of the tank causes the metal to become brittle. Consequently, this can cause fractures within the tank itself.
When the tank is idle, leaks are less likely to be noticed. However, when a tank is actively heating, small amounts of water can leak through the fractures. Leaks are a warning sign of an impending tank burst, and you need to seek advice from a qualified professional.
5. Your Tank Is Old
Finally, you may need to replace your water heater if the tank is ten years or older. As your tank ages, it starts to fail you. Before you have damage, change out the water heater.
FAQ
When you see any or all of the signs above, you know it’s time to fix your hot water heater. Water heater repair might be frequent or you may have hot water that doesn’t get the job done. You should call for plumbing and HVAC installation in Granbury.
If your hot water heater is old, you shouldn’t just call for water heater repair in Granbury. The best option could be to replace the heater completely. The next time you notice leaks near your water heater, strange sounds coming from it, or rusty water, don’t hesitate to call for plumbing and HVAC repair and installation. Someone from our team can inspect your water heater and determine whether or not it is ready for a replacement.
If your water heater is at least 10 years old (or fast approaching) you may soon be in the market for a new one. The best way to ascertain your water heater’s age is by checking the serial number, located on the sticker that can usually be found on the top of the unit. Water heaters function at standard operational capacity during the first decade after purchase.
If you have an old water heater or are tired of calling for repairs, don’t put off a replacement. By trusting us with your water heater replacement, you can get a water heater that works for your needs. You don’t need to worry about needing frequent repairs or experiencing property damage from water leaks. Give us a call at Daffan to learn more about how we can help you.