Having your water heater repaired will quickly take care of any issues you’re experiencing, but at some point you will have to replace your water heater. So exactly when should you replace your water heater? It all comes down to 5 major clues, which we’ll break down in this blog post.
1. Not Enough Hot Water
This is often the first problem that alerts homeowners their water heater may be failing. If you don’t have sufficient hot water or your water is just warm, this doesn’t exactly warrant a replacement. You could have a failing heating element, your tank may be too small for your home or your thermostat could be set wrong (Your water heaters thermostat should be set between 120 degrees and 140 degrees).
Sediment build-up in your tank is another reason that could lead to insufficient heating. If you need help determining the exact reason why your water heater isn’t heating water properly, feel free to contact us. We’ll inspect your unit and diagnose the problem.
2. The Age Of Your Water Heater
The typical water heater will last between 8 to 10 years, but some can last as much as 15 years. However age isn’t the only determining factor, water heaters can fail sooner than 8 years if not properly maintained. If you don’t know how old your water heater is, look at your unit’s serial number — it’s located on the manufacturer’s sticker. Generally, the first two numbers of the serial number are the year your water heater was produced, but this varies.
3. Unusual Rumbling Sounds
As water heaters age, sediment will begin to build-up on the bottom of the tank. When this sediment is continually heated, it will eventually harden. This sediment will produce a popping sound when the burner ignites.
While your water heater can still work with sediment, it’s less efficient and it will use use more of your unit’s resources — gas or electricity.
If you’re hearing unusual rumbling or banging sounds coming from your water heater, you may want to look for water leaks, as this extra work may cause cracks or holes.
4. Rust-Colored Water
If rust-colored water is coming out of your plumbing fixtures, you most likely have rust in your water heater — which is a sign that your water heater is deteriorating. This deterioration can occur even between 8 to 10 years of service. Once a water heater has begun to rust, there is no way to replace it and it’s only a matter of time before it begins to leak, which leads us to our next clue.
5. Water Leaks
Water heater leaks are most often caused by expansions in your tank. You see, metal expands and contracts when it is exposed to heat. And as your water heaters nears the end of its life, the likelihood of a leak springing increases. If your water heater is leaking, you’ll want to have it replaced ASAP. A leaking water heater means the tank is soon to burst which can cause damage to your home.
Experts In Water Heaters
Whether you’re looking to replace or repair your water heater, it’s important to know that your water heater will last longer and perform better with occasional maintenance. We recommend you have your water heater tank flushed and inspected at least once a year to remove sediment and help uncover any underlying issues.
Clog Pro is your local source for water heater services in Vancouver WA and Portland OR. We’ve been providing trusted plumbing services for over 26 years.