It is hard to imagine life without hot water. But then, life is easier as long as your water heater remains in good shape. That’s where the ability to anticipate problems with the water heater can save you from a lot of inconveniences.
After all, it is possible to avoid disruption by reading the subtle signs that water heaters that are almost failing to give out. You can then plan to replace your old water heater.
Here is how to know when to replace a hot water heater:
Age
Hot water heaters are not made to last forever. Most brands are meant to serve you for at most 10 years. They may last longer but if you continue using them, you will end up experiencing a myriad of problems. Be sure to check the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker to know the date, month, and year when it was manufactured. Count 10 years from that date and if your heater is older, then it is time to replace it.
Rust in the Water
Does your hot water have a red tint or rusty flavor? The rust could be coming from the water heater system. Rusty water from a water heater is a problem that comes with time. When you start smelling rust in your hot water, it is a clear sign that the heater needs to be replaced.
However, before you go ahead and replace the water heater, check if the rust is coming from your pipes instead. Drain some water from the hot water tank and check if it is actually rusty. If it is, replace the water heater.
Rumbling Noise
Aging water heaters cause the build-up of sediment at the bottom of the water tank. Over time, the sediment hardens due to the heating and reheating action. When the heater is in action, the sediment can cause incessant banging or rumbling sounds. While this can be resolved by flushing the tank, it indicates that time has come for you to replace the tank.
Leaking
The hot water heater has metal parts which expand when hot and contract when cold. In old heater that have seen better days, the metal may even crack and cause leaks in and around the water heater. Look out for signs of leaks when the heater is being used. Leaks in hot water heaters can be an indicator of a more serious problem which may necessitate their total replacement.
Inadequate Heating
When your hot water heater is about to stop working, it starts to gradually lose proper function. Watch out for hot water that doesn’t seem as heated up as it used to be. While replacing some components may resolve the issue, loss of function may mean replacing the hot water heater in its entirety.
You may not be able to point out some of these issues. Call Southeast Edmonton Plumbers for more information on hot water heater installations and repairs. Apart from diagnosing the issues with your water heater, we serve clients in Southeast Edmonton and the surrounding areas.