Signs your water heater needs replacing
Have you ever wondered when it is time to replace your water heater? Such a question can be tricky to answer without knowing the signs to look for. In this article we detail the telltales that your water heater might need replacing. This information can give you breathing space to plan a response in advance or at least to be aware of your options should distaster suddenly strike (e.g. the old water heater bursts).
1. Your water heater is getting old:
As with other items, your water heater will go through wear and tear which will ultimately reduce it’s life. There should be a label on the water heater giving its date of manufacture. You could reasonably expect a water heater to last for around 8 – 12 years so if your water heater is more than twelve years old, then it is probably time to think about replacing it. Since they last for a fairly long time, it is important to choose the right replacement option for your needs.
2. Signs of rust or corrosion:
The first sign of a problem with your water heater is if there is a reddish tint in the water, which can be caused by rust that may come from the pipes and/or inside your water heater. Rust particles in your water is a health hazard because drinking rust can lead to iron overexposure. If your water is tainted, it needs to be investigating.
If you see any rust on or around your hot water cylinder it shouldn’t be there. It also needs to be investigated.
3. Your water heater is making noises:
Hearing a lot of noise from your water heater can be a sign it needs to be replaced. With time minerals build up in the cylinder an can form a sediment layer. The rumbling noise is from the constant movement of the sediment, and this movement of hardened particles can quickly damage the cylinder and ultimately cause leaks.
4. Your water is not heating:
Among the most obvious signs you need to replace your water heater is that your water is no longer heating up. Or, it is taking too long to heat up.
5. Your water heater is leaking:
A sign that your water heater may need to be replaced soon is if you see pooling of water near the cylinder on the floor or in the drip tray. This sign can often be associated with the other signs listed above, such as rusting and noises. Don’t ignore this warning sign as the cylinder could burst and cause damage to the surrounding property.
Repair or replace?
Sometime the cylinder can be repaired – it could be a cylinder valve that’s gone or a thermostat. The team at SEAL Plumbing & Gas can test the old unit and advise on possible courses of action. But be wary, your water heater could have multiple actual or pending problems; fixing one fault now may allow the unit to limp on until the next component fails. It may be cheaper to bite the bullet and replace the cylinder rather than pay out for a series of patch repairs on a worn-out appliance.
It can be a false economy trying to eke out a little more life from an old failing water heater. For example, If your cylinder is taking longer to heat up (see 4 above) then it can cause your power bill to be higher since more electricity is required to do the same job. Hot water accounts for a significant portion of your electricity bill and it may be more cost-effective to address hot water issues without delay.
Making the decision to change gives you options to look at replacement cylinders with newer technology, better insulation, and lower running costs. There are also benefits such as where to locate the new unit: many new cylinders will happily work outside and this could free up valuable indoor storage space for you.
If you were to change water heater you are not limited to go like for like. You could consider mains pressure instead of low pressure, or perhaps an Infinity gas water heater, or Eco-friendly heat pump water heating. We can discuss options with you. SEAL Plumbing & Gas are trained, licensed and experienced with repairing and installing a wide range of water heaters. We are Master Plumbers & Master Gasfitters - we do it right (Nb. “SEAL are the Real Deal”)
Lastly, there is a lot to be said for making a change in a controlled manner (i.e., when you have time to consider options, costs and preferences) without the stress that dealing with a failed (or possibly ruptured) tank can cause. Look out for those warning sign listed above and if you notice them then get in touch with SEAL Plumbing & Gas : we are here to help.
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Conclusion:
If you notice any of the telltale signs above, then give Seal Plumbing & Gas a call. We offer a range of options for replacing water heaters and can supply and install them without delay. Get your hot water heater replaced before it stops working to avoid being without hot water, especially during the colder winter months.