You probably don’t give your water heater very much thought on a day-to-day basis. As long as you turn on the hot water knob and hot water comes out, you’re content. While your water heater is very sturdy and reliable, it does eventually need to be replaced.
But how do you know when that time has come? There are five common signs that it’s time to invest in a new water heater. If you notice any or all of these signs, it’s time to begin thinking about water heater replacement, and our team can help you with water heater financing in Alachua.
If you stay ahead of water heater problems, you won’t be surprised when your water heater stops working one day. Instead, by planning ahead, you can be prepared and get the replacement done on your terms.
Water Heater Age
The typical water heater will last for 10 to 15 years. Once you reach the 10-year mark, it’s time to begin considering a replacement. If you’re not sure how old your water heater is, you can check the tag on the outside of the tank. There may be a sticker with the manufacturer’s date, but if you can’t find that you can also use the serial number. Just search for the serial number online along with the name of the manufacturer. This should give you a good idea of how old your water heater is.
Unusual Sounds
If you hear your water heater making sounds like popping, knocking, or rumbling, then something is wrong. If you have hard water, sediment can build up over time. When the water heats up, these minerals harden. Then as water moves throughout the system, you can hear that sediment knocking around inside the tank.
Water Discoloration
If you notice that your water is discolored, the inside of your water tank may be rusting. There is an anode rod to help prevent this, but it does wear down over time. If you don’t replace the anode rod when the time comes, rust can develop. You can determine whether or not your water heater is to blame for discolored water by first turning on only your cold water. If your cold water is not discolored, and only your hot water is affected, then it is likely a water heater. If your cold water is also discolored, the problem may lie elsewhere in your plumbing system.
Lukewarm Water
If you turn on the hot water tap and the water is not as warm as you expect, it may be because something is wrong with your water heater. Sediment buildup can block the heating elements from heating the water as much as they should. It’s also possible that the heating elements are failing. In some cases, you can just replace these parts and keep using your current tank. If other parts are also wearing down, it may make more sense to replace the unit as a whole.
Leaks
Your water heater should be completely airtight. It does have pipes and valves on the outside, but none of these should leak. A leak can be an easy fix sometimes, but in other cases, it’s a sign that you need to replace your water tank. Having to fix leaks over and over again, or having persistent leaks is definitely a problem.
Contact Affinity Gas Services today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. We’re “The Gas Efficiency Experts.”