Water Heater Warning Signs For Replacement
Water heaters, like all other appliances, need to be replaced once they reach the end of their lifespan, look out for these water heater warning signs to know when it’s time for a replacement.
Having hot water in our homes is often something we take for granted. Whether it’s to wash the dishes, take a shower, cook, clean, or whatever else it may be, hot water is involved in your day to day life at home. Using your water heater every single day for many years puts a strain on the appliance and over time you will notice that it is not working as it once did. Though water heaters tend to last over ten years, it’s important to know the water heater warning signs which indicate that yours is in need of replacement.
Your water heater is too old
Just like the food in your fridge, water heaters have their own expiration date. At some point down your water heater’s life it will be time for a replacement. These machines become strained and damaged over time as they age just like all other machinery. Water heaters start to operate differently when they’re old and damaged, and you will notice this change in operation. In most cases this starts to happen after the eight to ten year mark. Although, the life expectancy of water heaters does vary. Gas powered water heaters have a lifespan of between ten to twelve years. If you start to notice that your water heater is operating worse with its old age then this is a sure warning sign that a replacement is necessary. If your water heater is over ten years old then it is surely in need of a replacement.
If you are unsure of how old your water heater is then you can take a look at the serial number on the unit to find out. The first letter in the serial number represents the month that it was manufactured and the two numbers that follow correspond with the year it was manufactured.
Click here to learn more about reading your water heater serial number and how to use it to find the age of your water heater.
Loud noises coming from your water heater
There are a couple of reasons as to why you may be hearing noises coming from your tank and both are clear water heater warning signs for replacement.
If there is a buildup of sediment in your tank then you will start hearing noises coming from the tank. Sediment buildup will lead to leaks in the water heater if not taken care of. Sediment can be removed from the water heater by draining the tank on a yearly basis to remove the buildup.
It is possible that even after draining the water tank that the noise you are hearing is still persistent. This would mean that the water heater is on the brink of cracking or leaking which calls for an immediate replacement.
Rusty water in your home
Almost all water heaters are made out of steel. Although steel is a durable material, it is susceptible to rust. One of the easiest water heater warning signs to spot is rusty water. As the steel in the tank ages and begins to corrode, rust will start to appear in the tank and will make its way into the water in your home. Corroded steel will cause for leaks in your water heater, so it surely leads to bad news and potentially expensive repairs if not handled correctly.
It is sometimes a problem trying to figure out the source of the rusty water as it is not always the water heater at fault. Rusty water could be an indication of corrosion in the pipes leading to the faucet. No matter what the case may be, if you spot rust in your water then a water heater replacement is necessary. There is unfortunately no way to repair a corroded water tank.
Not enough hot water in your home
We use hot water for many daily activities in our home and we expect our water heater to provide us with the hot water that we need. If you’re not getting enough hot water in your home then this could be caused by:
- A broken heating element
- An improperly set thermostat
- An undersized water heater
An undersized water heater is the only serious problem out of these three as the other two can be easily fixed. If your water heater is too small for your home, then the only solution is to install a larger water heater.
Puddles of water around the water tank
If there are puddles of water around your water heater then you should know that a leak is present. Such leaks can lead to damage being done to your home and are clear signs that a replacement is necessary. When this problem goes unnoticed or untreated then you can expect for damage to be done to the furniture in your home or even for mold to appear in the surrounding area. Leaks in the water tank can be caused by:
- Improper connections or fittings to the tank which should be screwed on tighter or adjusted. A leak will occur when connections are loose and allow for water to seep through.
- The metal in the tank expanding due to constant exposure to heating cycles. Heating cycles sometimes cause a crack in the tank when the metal expands and allows for water to leak out through the cracks.
- A problem pertaining to the water tank itself which means that it needs to be replaced
We know that a broken down water heater is the last thing you need in your home. You can avoid that problem entirely by being aware of these water heater warning signs for replacement and have your water heater problem solved before it’s too late. If you let a faulty water heater continue running for too long you can end up with horrible leakage in your home and plenty of property damage expenses to go along with it. Be the smart homeowner and be aware of the signs of a water heater problem before it gets out of control.
If you have any further questions regarding water heater warning signs or any of your other HVAC needs, don’t hesitate to contact DeMark Home Ontario today. We offer a free installation done by our highly trained and experienced technicians. You’re saving more when you rent your water heater from DeMark Home Ontario. We offer the lowest rental rates on the market and provide our customers with professional and reliable service.
If you’re considering an upgrade to a new high efficiency water heater for your home, DeMark Home Ontario is here to make the change as easy and convenient as possible. Give us a call at 647-847-2998 or fill out our online request form and we will be happy to assist you.
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