Do I Have A Failing Water Heater?
With our hot water being an essential commodity in any modern home, it is part of your responsibility as a homeowner to know the basics of keeping the systems providing it current. The heart of our water hearths? That would be the water heater.
Considering the above, a water heater is the most vital appliance in many homes. They provide hot water for your home, help heat your water for everything from showers to sinks, and more. But, when your heater is looking a bit aged, can you continue using it… Or should you call a professional to replace the unit?
Signs That You Have a Failing Water Heater.
Several signs and common occurrences can tell you when your heater might be a little too well-worn. One of the most common ways to know when it’s time for your heater to go is… Age. Your common household water heater is not meant to last forever. On average, the lifespan of a water heater depends on the make and model; most have a life expectancy of between six and thirteen years. So, if your machine is getting near ten years old… It might be time to schedule a session with a professional to inspect and ensure your heater’s safety and operational capacity.
Another obvious telltale sign that your heater might be having problems is, of course, odd noises. A water heater will assuredly make several sounds during normal operation, but you have lived with your machine for what is likely years on end. If suddenly, your rusty old water heater starts knocking while in operation, it might have some internal problems to take into consideration.
Water Quality Dropping
While the appearance, sounds, and age of a heater are all very obvious for the machine itself, problems with the water might also indicate that you need to replace your water heater. It isn’t always the city’s fault, after all. If your water seems off—if it is discolored or cloudy, or has a metallic or dusty taste, or an odd smell—you may need to call a professional plumber. Poor quality water isn’t just an inconvenience; build-up of scale or other minerals within your water heater could pose a health risk for you and your family.
Likewise, no water at all might be the heater’s fault – But we’re sure in that obvious situation you would already be in the market for a professional to solve such inconveniences.
To Repair or Replace
When you have established that your water heater isn’t quite up to par in an operational capacity, it’s time to decide the next steps for your situation. If a water heater exhibits some of the signs above, it may not need to be replaced. If your machine is less than ten years old, the solution could be far simpler and easier on your wallet than buying and installing a whole new unit. When these signs start to present themselves, it’s essential to contact a professional like ours at Conyers Plumbing. The longer you wait, the more likely damages could compound and become an unfortunate, unnecessary cost.
