When you turn on the faucet, you assume hot water will come streaming out. However, as soon as your water heater starts acting up, you’ll realize just how much you’ve taken hot water for granted. Here are the top seven signs it’s time for a water heater replacement.
Old Water Heater
If your home had a water heater when you moved in, you might have no idea when it was installed. You can check the brand’s website for more information about when your unit’s model number was manufactured. If the tank is giving you trouble, and you find out it’s more than 10 years old, it could be time to replace it.
Rust-Colored Hot Water
Many potential problems could cause your water to turn brown, but if only the hot water appears to be affected, your tank is likely rusting from the inside out. This means it might start leaking soon, which could cause water damage to your home. Before you install a new water heater, have a professional inspect it. It could be that the sacrificial anode rod is corroding, which can be fixed simply by replacing it.
Metallic-Tasting Water
If you suspect your water heater is failing, and the water appears rust-colored, smell it to check for a metallic odor. This is another indicator of a rusting water heater. It occurs when the metal lining of the inner tank flakes off into the water. You should take action quickly if you notice this problem.
Running Out of Hot Water
If you find yourself rushing through your showers every day because you keep running out of hot water, start looking into replacement water heaters. The inability to provide a steady supply of hot water could mean that a thick layer of sediment has formed on the bottom of the tank, separating the heat source from the water. This may also drive your water heating costs up, another sign to watch for.
Strange Water Heater Noises
When sediment starts to accumulate, it may cause the appliance to begin banging or rumbling. Deposits on the bottom of the tank make the heating element work harder than necessary, which could lead to cracks or holes in the water heater. Start checking for signs of leaks if you hear strange noises when the heating element kicks on.
Leaking Water Heater
A corroding metal water heater starts leaking slowly through tiny fractures in the outer wall. For this reason, you should routinely check the tank for areas of wetness around it. Ignoring small developing leaks could lead to catastrophic failure and the flooding of your utility closet, basement, garage, or wherever the water heater is installed. Of course, leaks may also develop due to loose connections, which are easy to fix by tightening the fittings in question.
Continual Water Heater Repairs
Failing water heaters rarely go out quietly. Luckily, catastrophic failure is rare, but you could be forced to put up with repeat repairs at the end of your water heater’s lifespan. To prevent shelling out money on a tank that won’t last much longer, avoid paying for a second repair if it occurs within six months of the first, especially if the unit is over a decade old. Instead, put your money toward a new water heater installation.
For help determining whether you need a new water heater, or to request any other water heater services in Glendale or Phoenix, AZ, please call Bumble Bee Plumbing at (623) 294-2888 today. We provide water heater installation and replacement services for gas water heaters, electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters.
