In most homes, hot water is used on a daily basis. Since we use it so often, water heaters can’t last forever. Your water heater works hard, supplying hot water for your showers, your dishes, your laundry and your sinks constantly. Treating your water heater with care is good for your home. However, this also means knowing when it’s time for a water heater replacement. If you’re a homeowner, it’s important that you’re aware of the signs of serious water heater problems.
How Old Your Water Heater is
The first thing you should consider is the age of your water heater. Typically, a water heater will last eight to twelve years. If you can’t remember how long ago you bought your water heater, that’s okay. Often you can find out from its serial number. Most serial numbers start with a letter and are followed by a series of numbers. The first two numbers following the letter often indicate the year the water heater was manufactured. If your water heater is getting up there in age, it may be time to contact a trusted plumber to take a look at it.
Rust
Unfortunately, we don’t often recognize rust until it ends up in our water. If you think that your water has a rusty tint or an odd flavour, get it checked out. This is often the first sign of a rusty water heater. Call a licensed plumber to inspect your water heater, they may be able to spot the first signs of rust before it seeps into your water.
Loud Noises
As you can imagine, loud noises coming from your water heater are not a good sign. If you hear rumbling coming from that direction, call a licensed plumber to inspect it. These noises may be the result of sediment in your heater. Sediment is minerals, such as calcium, that build up in your water heater. Sediment in your water heater can cause significant damage. Since it usually builds up at the bottom of the tank, close to the gas burner, it can overheat the tank. This ultimately results in deterioration of your tank. If your hot water tank is too deteriorated, it may be time for a new water heater. Get ahold of a licensed plumber as soon as you hear these noises coming from your water heater. They can help you move forward and ensure that the problem does not cause further issues throughout your home.
Leaks
Water surrounding your water heater is never a good sign. It generally means that there is a leak. The metal in hot water tanks can expand due to the number of heating cycles the tank endures. However, not all leaks are due to the expansion of the metal. Sometimes, the surrounding pipes and fittings are the culprit. A leak may be from the overflow pipe or any other connections to the tank. It’s imperative that you get this issue fixed right away. It has the potential to worsen, ruin your belongings and cause problems for the rest of the home. A licensed plumber will advise you whether you’re in need of a new water heater and will do a full home inspection to ensure that it is not affecting the rest of your home.
Water Temperature isn’t Right
We can all agree, it’s pretty frustrating when you think you have hot water but you actually don’t. If your water heater isn’t shut off, this indicates an issue with your water heater. This may be a simple issue, such as a misadjusted thermostat or a tank not big enough to provide for the amount of water you’re using. However, you should get in contact with a licensed plumber as the issue may be the result of a broken water heater.
Contact a Trusted Plumber
A water heater that is showing signs of trouble may not necessarily mean it needs to be replaced. However, it’s important that your water heater is in the best shape possible to protect the plumbing throughout your entire home. If your water heater is showing any of these signs, you should contact a trusted plumber. At Wellbrook, we will help with the issue as well as provide a full home inspection to ensure that there are no further issues. We provide repair and water heater installation services. For more information, get in touch.
