Signs It's Time To Replace the Water Heater
The water heater plays an important role in daily life: it provides hot water for handwashing, baths and showers, dishes, laundry, cleaning, and much more. It's safe to say that nobody wants to go without hot water this year! Avoid a disastrous water heater breakdown by learning to recognize the signs that it's time for a water heater replacement. The water's age, discolored water, and a leaky tank all indicate it's time for a new water heater installation.
How Old Is the Water Heater?
The life expectancy of a residential water heater is only 8 to 12 years. If the home's water heater hasn't been replaced or maintained in recent memory, it's time to consider a replacement. Old water heaters don't work as well and are less energy-efficient, driving up utility bills.
Other signs that the water heater is getting old include:
- Thumping noises (produced by hot water rising through sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank)
- Water takes a long time to warm up
- Not enough hot water for the household
For improved performance and better efficiency, consider upgrading with a new water heater installation.
Don't Ignore Rust-Colored Water
Rust-colored water pouring from the faucets can be alarming, but it's just another sign that flushing won't be enough; it's time to replace the water heater. The cause of rust-colored water is, believe it or not, rust!
Water heater storage tanks are made of steel, which is strong and durable. Water and steel don't play nice together since steel quickly rusts when exposed to moisture. To prevent this, the inside of a water heater tank is bonded with vitreous glass. The glass layer's quality and thickness vary by manufacturer, and over time, water will seep through any flaws in the coating, resulting in rust.
In addition, water heaters are equipped with a sacrificial anode, a long rod made of magnesium or aluminum submerged in the water inside the tank. These metals are quick to rust and attract the corrosive elements of water, further protecting the tank's steel walls. However, after only 3 to 5 years, the sacrificial anode rod will rust away to nothing. If not replaced, corrosion will begin eating away the steel walls of the water heater tank.
When enough rust is present inside the tank, the hot water coming from the faucets will be metallic-tasting and rust-colored. The only remedy for a rusted storage tank is complete water heater replacement.
Leaks Can Spell Disaster
There are multiple reasons why a water heater might leak, but a leaking storage tank might be impossible to repair and need replacement.
One of the main reasons for a leaky storage tank is simple water pressure. As water is heated, it creates steam, which creates pressure. The hotter the temperature the water heater is set at, the more pressure it creates. Every water heater has a pressure relief valve to reduce pressure, but if the pressure becomes too much, it may look for other escape avenues. Any flaws in the tank, such as cracks or fissures, can result in a leak.
Leaks are also common around the water connections, which may not be adequately sealed, or around the drain valve. The water heater tank's bottom may also leak due to corrosion from the sediment buildup inside the tank.
For repair or replacement of a leaking water tank, call a professional plumber, who will have the expertise to diagnose the problem and recommend a solution. Often, the only solution is a brand new water heater installation, which many plumbing companies can perform on the spot.
Why Choose Miracle Plumbing Inc.?
Miracle Plumbing Inc. has been serving San Jose, CA and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. Their team are the experts in electric, gas, and propane water heater installation, maintenance, and repair. If the water heater is old, leaking, or producing rust-colored water, don't just hope for a miracle, call Miracle Plumbing Inc. for water heating services!