Say Goodbye To Old Water Heaters If They Show These Signs
Over the years, water heaters have proven to be an indispensable home appliance. This is especially evident during the winter, when temperatures drop drastically. Water heaters can be prone to wear and tear and damage due to prolonged use. As a result, homeowners need to conduct routine checks on their water heating appliances to identify problems in advance. In this article, plumbing experts share a few signs that indicate that a water heater may need to be replaced immediately.
The Water Heater Has Outlived Its Shelf-Life
Water heaters have an average life span of about 10 to 15 years. However, this depends on several factors, such as the exact type of water heater and the quality of maintenance the water heater has received. Routine maintenance should resolve most complications. However, in extreme cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire unit. Homeowners are advised to contact a professional plumbing service if their water heaters are between 10 to 15 years old or have started malfunctioning.
Some common signals include:
- Rising energy costs
- Fluctuating water temperatures
- Low water pressure
- Less hot water capacity
There's Rust in the Water Heater
One of the signs of a damaged water heater is the presence of rusty hot water. It is important to determine the source to find out the exact reason for the rust-colored water. For example, suppose rust is still visible after turning on the cold water. In that case, the problem could be larger than initially thought, such as a burst pipe, usually located outside the building. On the other hand, rust-colored hot water is usually due to a home's water heating appliance.
One of the most common reasons for rust-colored water is the corrosion of galvanized iron wires. These wires are present in the water heater and can corrode with time, consequently releasing rusty water. Another source of rusty-colored water is the presence of mineral build-up in the water heater.
Flushing the home water heater system can fix mineral build-up. Flushing also has the additional benefit of removing sediments present in the storage tank and even prolongs the water heater's life.
The Tank Is Leaking
Because the tank is part of the water heater, it is usually insulated. Leaking tanks are difficult to identify since they are not easily detectable from the outside, further stressing the importance of routine maintenance and checks. Wear and tear, caused by age, is usually the most common reason for this problem. It is almost always advisable for leaking water heaters to hire a professional plumber to replace the entire unit.
About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning have over 30 years of experience serving the Danbury, CT area with a wide range of services from plumbing to HVAC. The company offers unmatched speed and accuracy when responding to HVAC problems thanks to its team of professionals who are always available for water heater service!
