Signs You Need To Replace Your Water Heater
Posted on: 14 April 2016
Water heaters, like all appliances, slowly lose effectiveness over time due to general wear and tear. A non-functioning water heater can be a huge problem, especially in the winter when your demand for hot water is at a maximum. Knowing the warning signs of a failing water heater can help you replace it when it is most convenient to do so, saving you the hassle of dealing with a broken water heater unexpectedly.
Severe Temperatures
Obviously, if your hot water is not coming out hot at all, it means that you're probably going to have to change your water heater. However, if your hot water is coming out extremely hot, it could represent the same thing. Sometimes, this problem is simply because of a damaged thermostat, but other times it can be the actual heating element, which means that the entire element has to be replaced.
Hissing and Other Noises
If your water heater makes noises when you turn it on (clanking, hissing, or anything that sounds unlike flowing water), this is a sign that there is sediment buildup in your water tank. While small amounts of sediment can be removed through regular cleaning and maintenance, large amounts left for an extended period of time can cause damage to the water heater itself and cause clogs within your plumbing as well. Have a contractor drain your water heater to see if you need to replace your current water heater.
Dirty Water
Any sign of discoloration or rust in the water means that your water heater might need to be replaced. It is possible that there is damage somewhere else in your plumbing, but if the discoloration comes out with the hot water and not the cold water, it's a safe bet that your water heater should be replaced. Even if the water heater isn't the problem, you still have a serious issue with your plumbing and should contact a contractor immediately.
Leaking
Small leaks in the hot water tank can occur over time if sediment is allowed to sit in the tank. The minerals in the water will begin to eat away at the structure of the tank. Even small leaks will mean that the tank will have to be replaced: while it may seem like a single pinhole leak can be patched, such a leak represents that the rest of the tank has begun to degrade as well, making future leaks much more likely. Call a contractor if you find any sort of accumulation of water around your water heater.
For more information or to have your water heater replaced, contact a water heater repair company, such as Clearwater Plumbing.
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