How much do you know about your water heater? Even those who feel they have a great deal of knowledge with regards to their water heater sometimes miss the signs that it is actually time to repair it. Today we will share five signs so you know when it is the right time to repair your water heater.
1. Your Water Heater isn’t as Young as it Used to Be
The most common reason for replacing a water heater is old age. Did you know most water heaters are only made to last between eight to ten years? If your water heater is on it’s the tenth year, it is definitely time for an upgrade or repair. Please note that the exception to this rule is gas water heaters. They should be replaced when they reach between six to eight years of age.
2. If You are Seeing Rust
When you’re talking about water heaters, rust is never a good sign. If you are seeing rust, whether it is in the water or on the heater itself, it may be time for the replacement. If there is rust in the water, you will see it when it comes out of the faucet. You could have rusty pipes or a rusty valve on the water heater itself.
3. If you Notice Water Outside of the Heater
If you are noticing water on the floor around your water heater, you could have a problem on your hands. The most common cause of leaks in hot water tanks includes the metal expanding when the water heater is actually heating water. This problem can be particularly irritating because the excess water can damage items in your home. For this reason, if you are seeing water around the outside of your water heater it is best to get it fixed as soon as you can.
4. If You are Hearing Noises
On a normal day when your water heater is working you shouldn’t hear much noise. However, as your tank starts to get older, it could start to get louder, too. If this happens, know that you should be alarmed when the heater makes a loud rumbling sound as it heats up water. The reason for this is usually a build-up of sediment and you can help to remedy this problem by flushing your water heater annually.
5. It Just Isn’t Heating Anymore
If you feel like your water heater just isn’t working like it used to, it may need a repair. This could be caused by a broken heating element or thermostat. In order to get your water heater back to its prime state, you’ll want to repair the damaged part. Another common reason for lack of heat is if your water heater is too small for the size of your house. If this is the case, you will definitely want to consider looking for a replacement!
Today we have shared five signs to help you tell when it is time to repair your water heater. Knowing what to look for is the first step towards diagnosing your problem. When you know what you are looking for, you will be able to determine whether it is time to repair or replace your water heater!
Charlie Teschner started MESA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in 1982. Charlie has a journeyman and master plumber’s license. He was raised with a strong work ethic and he now applies those values to tasks such as Longmont, CO heating repair.