Hot water is an aspect of our home that can easily be taken for granted. Just take a moment to consider what would happen if you woke up one morning unable to have a hot shower, run the dishwasher, or do a load of laundry.
Hot water heaters are an integral part of our lives, but they don’t last forever. The earlier you can detect signs that your water heater is aging, the sooner you can prepare to replace it.
Peak Hydronics wants to ensure that you never have to go without hot water in your home. Here are some common signs that your water heater is going to need replacing:
Water Heater’s Age
Water heaters typically last for 8 to 10 years. Beyond that age, you may notice issues arising with your water heater.
If you’re not sure how old your water heater is, simply check the serial number. The letter indicates the month (A=1=January, etc.) and the next two numbers represent the year. For example, the serial number D041074529 shows that the unit was manufactured in April of 2004.
- D = 4th letter of alphabet = April (4th month of the year)
- 04 = 2004
If you cannot find this information, our expert technicians at Peak Hydronics would be more than happy to inspect your water heater.
Rusty Water
Another sign that your water heater needs to be replaced is the presence of rust in your water or a metallic smell and taste. You may also notice rust around the water inlet or pressure valve.
To determine if there is rust inside your water heater or pipes, begin filling buckets with hot water from your tap. If you still see rust in the water by the third bucket, then the rust is affecting the water heater and not the pipes. A rusty water heater should be replaced as soon as possible. Rust will eventually eat through the water heater and cause more significant problems.
Loud Noises
Water heaters are typically quiet pieces of equipment. When minerals collect at the bottom of the heater, they cause the water to thicken, which creates noise. The result is muddy or sandy water. Noticeable popping or rumbling sounds can be an indication of sediment buildup.
If flushing the water heater doesn’t resolve the noise, it’s likely time to replace it.
Leaking
Water on the floor by the heater is an obvious sign of a leak. Leaks can be caused by a number of different issues including loose fittings or connections, or problems with temperature or pressure. These types of problems are usually easy to repair. However, it a leak is caused by a fracture in the tank itself, it will need to be replaced.
Leaks should be addressed as soon as possible in order to avoid more costly problems such as mold, structural damage, or ruined belongings.
Inconsistent Hot Water
If your water is heating inconsistently, or not at all, it’s a good indicator that there is a problem. Before jumping straight to replacement, be sure to make sure the thermostat is set correctly and that the heating element is working. These problems can be easily fixed without needing to replace the entire unit. If these both look fine, then your tank may be wearing down and in need of replacement.
Constant Repairs
When it gets to the point that you are constantly having your hot water heater repaired, it may be time to consider a replacement.
If you are looking for professional boiler installs for all heating and domestic applications, contact Peak Hydronics today.