Water heaters are an important part of any home, but they don’t last forever. Eventually, you’ll need to order a water heater replacement, and you’ll want to get it before it breaks and causes water damage to your home. However, part of replacing your water heater is knowing that your water heater has a problem. America’s Plumbing Co. knows a lot about water heaters and can tell you what to look for to avoid a water heater breakdown.
Here are five signs you need to call for a water heater replacement:
Rusty water
Rusty water is caused by one of two things, but the exact reason often depends on what temperature the rusty water is. If only the hot water is rusty, your water heater may be rusting from the inside out. However, rust in every temperature means your pipes might have some problems. Both of these are reason enough to call our plumbers to check out the damage. One way you can identify your water heater’s problem is to drain a few bucketfuls of water from the tank. If you still get rusty water by the third bucketful, your water heater needs a replacement. Another way you can tell you have rust problems is if you see rust around the water inlet or pressure release valve.
Retirement age
Like your other appliances, your water heater will get weaker and less reliable with age. If you give it frequent maintenance, a tank water heater can last ten to fifteen years. To prepare for the worst, start looking at replacements when your water heater gets to nine or ten years old. If you don’t know how old your water heater is, check the water heater’s serial number and manufacturer’s information. The serial number can tell you when it was manufactured, but each manufacturer has a different way of displaying the manufacturing date. You can often check the manufacturer’s website to decode your water heater’s serial number.
Leaking
Leaking is common for old, damaged water heaters that need replacement. However, leaks can go unnoticed if you’re not keeping an eye on your water heater. Keep in mind that some leaks don’t require a replacement. Fittings, connections, or the temperature-pressure-release-valve can leak, but our plumbers can fix those easily. However, damage to the tank can only be fixed by getting a replacement.
Not enough hot water
A water heater is what lets your home have hot water. If your water heater’s temperature is correctly set and you aren’t getting hot water, then something is clearly wrong. Many different problems can keep you from getting hot water, and some are unique to different types of water heaters. Gas water heaters can sometimes need you to light the pilot light again while electric models may need you to check the circuit breaker. You might have to deal with frozen pipes and water heaters in the rare event of cold weather in California. Some of the other problems you may face include built-up sediment, a defective thermostat, and a worn heating element. It’s also possible your water heater can’t provide enough hot water for your home. If that’s the case, call us and we can help you choose the right water heater for you.
Strange noises
Many appliances make some slight noise while working, and your water heater is no exception. However, loud popping, cracking, or rumbling noises are a major warning sign. Those noises mean sediment is building up in the tank, which hurts your water heater’s performance. Running tank water heaters will have to deal with sediment getting into the tank and settling at the bottom as the water heats and cools. Air pockets in the sediment can make noise, and the hardened sediment can also make your water heater less efficient and more likely to crack. Failure to fix the problem with flushing and cleaning can result in the tank cracking, requiring a full replacement.
Why call America’s Plumbing for my plumbing needs?
Since 1999, we’ve been providing high-quality plumbing at reasonable rates. Through hard work coupled with a combination of outstanding leadership, experienced plumbers, and a clear vision for the future, America’s Plumbing Co. has been able to provide clients with the top-quality affordable plumbing at a price you can afford. Drains, toilets, faucets, garbage disposals, sinks, and water heaters are just a few of our areas of expertise. Call America’s Plumbing Co. today to learn more about our water heaters!
