Water Heater Replacement – 5 Signs It’s Time
Few things are as frustrating as a hot shower cut short because of a “10-minute water heater”. Even worse is when the water heater goes out altogether and you have to call an emergency plumber to come save the day. What if I told you there is a way to avoid the whole mess by upgrading to a high-efficiency water heater replacement? The best kind of plumbing services are the ones done as preventive and not trying to fix the mess after things have broken. Luckily, you almost always have warning signs that your water heater is about to go out (& not on a date).
Here are 5 signs it’s time to prepare for a water heater replacement.
1. Your Water Heater Is REALLY OLD!
Just like anything else in your home, after a while, your water heater will start to break down and will need replacing. It’s always better to have your water heater replacement done by a master plumber BEFORE it goes out completely or starts having major problems. The general recommendation for water heater replacement is 8-12 years after it was installed. This time range can vary greatly depending on the usage, maintenance, and brand of the water heater. If you bought your house 10 years ago and have no idea when the previous owners had it installed, then it’s probably safe to assume it’s time for an upgrade!
2. Running Out of Hot Water Faster
If you’ve noticed you have half the amount of hot water time as you did a few years ago, your water heater is probably on its way to the land of retired appliances. 10-minute showers are a hallmark sign of a water heater about to die. Not to mention, how annoying is it to have to rush a shower or do 3 rounds of dishes because there is never enough hot water?
3. Rust Deposits or Murky Look to Hot Water
If your hot water is coming out with rust deposits or a murky appearance it is probably time to change replace your water heater. The presence of either is a sign of rust or mineral build-up in the water heater itself or in the pipes leading away from it. To be sure the problem is coming from your water heater, try filling a glass of cold tap water from the sink. If the rust or murky appearance is only present in hot water and not in the cold water, it’s time to call a licensed plumbing company.
4. Knocking Water Heater
When you start noticing there is a rock concert happening in your water heater it might be time to have a local plumbing company come out and drain it for you. When sediment builds up in your water heater it can cause a knocking sound or tapping and after time can cause tears and leaking. Draining your water heater is a yearly maintenance step you should consider adding to your spring-cleaning list to prevent the build-up in the first place. Unfortunately, this is not a common knowledge task but if you call an emergency plumber as soon as you hear the knocking, they may be able to save your water heater by draining it.
5. Leaking or Pooling Water
You walk down into your basement and notice a puddle starting near your water heater. Oh no! Don’t just dry it up and walk away or place a bucket! It’s time to call Three T’s Plumbing, INC & have that water heater serviced. With any luck, it’s something fixable in the connections and not the water heater itself. Have no fear though, even if it is the water heater you will be in good hands and your hot water will be back up and running in no time!
Preventive maintenance can save you from costly repairs, but it also alerts you when it is time to start saving for a replacement. If you find yourself in a pickle and don’t have the funds to replace a down water heater, we can help you too! Check out our third-party financing option for qualified credit HERE.
Come back next week to learn more about water heater options for your replacement or new build installation.
