Signs You Need a New Water Heater
Many homeowners don’t recognize the signs they need a new water heater until the heater completely breaks down. Knowing the warning signs you need a new water heater will greatly help you prevent an emergency plumbing situation in your home.
Warning Signs That You Need a New Hot Water Heater
Age
The average life expectancy of a hot water heater, for a family of four, is seven to 10 years. While water heaters may last longer than 10 years, it is not recommended to use water heaters past the 10-year mark. The more you use your water heater, the more wear and tear on the system, which shortens the life span. If you’re not sure of the age of your water heater, you can check the serial number that should be listed on the manufacturer’s sticker. This sticker should include the year the unit was manufactured or the first two numbers in the serial number are the same as the year the water heater was manufactured.
If your water heater is above the 10-year mark, it is a sign that your old water heater is ready to retire! You should at least begin considering getting a new hot water heater installed so you can increase the efficiency of your heating and decrease your utility bills.
Water Consistency
You might find that your water is only hot some of the time or your water no longer comes out hot. If you’re experiencing inconsistent hot water or if you’re unable to maintain a constant temperature, your hot water heater is likely nearing the end of its life. An ideal temperature for hot water is between 120 and 140 degrees, and the water should consistently be hot. If you do have inconsistent water temperatures, it is a major sign that it is time to buy a new water heater. If you have a relatively new hot water heater that has inconsistent water temperatures, it is also possible that your water heater only needs a simple repair to get back into working shape. If you are not sure, you should contact a trusted local plumber to schedule a service for your hot water heater.
Another sign is that your hot water does not last as long as it used to. If you begin to notice that your hot water turns cold much faster than it did before, that could be a clear sign that there is a problem with your water heater. It may be old and less efficient, or it could be another problem like a water leak. Either way, it is best to get professional help!
Leaks
A leaking water heater is also a major sign that something is wrong with your hot water heater. Examine the area around your hot water heater for any moisture or pools of water. It’s not uncommon for aging units to experience slow leaks that worsen over time. Through years of use and changes in water temperatures, the metal of water heaters expands and contracts. After years of use, the expansion of the metal can lead to small cracks that can worsen over time and lead to more severe water heater leaks. Large amounts of water are a sure sign your unit has expired and you need a replacement water heater as soon as possible.
Noise
If you hear banking or other loud noises coming from your water heater, this can also be a sign that your water heater may need to be replaced. As water heaters age, sediment builds up on the inside and eventually hardens. As the water heats up, you will hear rumbling or banging, which can cause cracks in the metal of your water heater. When you start to hear noise, keep an eye out for small leaks and call a technician to determine where the sound is coming from.
Color
If the color of your hot water changes and remains so for a period of time, this could mean your system is rusting from the inside. You can check this by carefully draining water directly from your unit. Rusty water generally has a red tint, so check if your water has a slight red tint or a generally rusty color. If you find that your water has a rust-colored tint, you likely have rust in your water. The metal inside of your water heater can rust over time and the rust can get into your water. In this case, the water is unsafe and you should replace your water heater tank as soon as possible.
Call Ranck Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning For Your Hot Water Needs
If you are having problems with your water heater or your water temperature in general. Ranck is the company to call in Lancaster, PA and Southcentral Pennsylvania. Our team of licensed plumbers are experts at resolving a long range of plumbing problems, and we are happy to help you with your plumbing issues! Contact Ranck online today, or call us at 717-397-2577.