Most homes need hot water for bathing, laundry, drinking, and other activities. For this reason, most property investors have invested in well-functioning water heaters. Unfortunately, most people only think about their water heating systems once they stop working like other appliances. Besides getting old, here are warning signs that you have to replace your water heater.
Rusty Water With a Metallic Taste
Water heating systems may have an extended lifespan. However, most heaters do not live up to their lifespan. With time, you may start noticing rusty water with a metallic taste. This indicates signs of corrosion inside the tank. A change in water taste and smell is also a result of the protective lining inside the heater getting damaged and seeping rust into the water.
You can replace the corroded zinc inside the tank to prolong the heater’s lifespan. However, if it continues to give discolored water, it might be time to replace the whole unit. At this point, you can hire a professional who deals with water heater replacements in CA to help. They will inspect the heater and advise whether you need a simple repair or an entire replacement. A professional plumber will also recommend the best water heater to purchase that fits your household needs and install it for better functionality.
Insufficient Hot Water and Fluctuating Temperatures
A sudden blast of cold water when taking a hot, relaxing shower can be heartbreaking. As the heating system gets older, it can start producing different temperatures or insufficient hot water. Hot water can also begin losing its temperature faster than before. This issue can result from sediment hardening at the bottom of the tank. This insulates the heating element, reducing its efficiency. In this case, a simple cleaning and maintenance can bring the heater back to its efficient functionality.
A broken heating element can also cause the heater not to heat water. While repairing the element can solve heating inconsistencies, sometimes replacing the entire system can make it more efficient. Moreover, insufficient hot water can result from a smaller water heater. For instance, if your home has more people than it used to, the current smaller water heater may not give enough hot water to serve the whole household. You may need to buy a larger unit to satisfy the increased demand.
Strange Noises from the Unit
Strange noises coming from the unit indicate that you need to check it. For example, hardened sediments can create air pockets at the bottom of the tank. These air pockets often give popping, rumbling, cracking, or banging sounds as the water boils during operation. Flushing the tank can solve these odd sounds by removing the sediments. However, the strange noises can indicate an underlying issue for tankless water heaters.
Contacting a professional water heater replacement service can help you identify the cause of the noise depending on the type of heater. If it is due to sediment build-up, you can save money by cleaning and replacing the heating element. However, if the noise persists, you can replace the entire system to prevent water overheating.
A Leaking Water Tank
When the water heater tank gets overused or old, you may notice cracks that cause leaking around the system. Minor cracks and leaks may not need urgent attendance. However, as they expand over time and worsen the leaks, they can increase the risks of tank bursts and overall water damage. This is where you may need to fix them immediately to save your plumbing system.
You can fix water leaks by checking the valves feeding the tank and supplying water around the home. If you continue noticing leaks and moisture around the base of the unit and pipes, you need to turn off the water supply and call a professional service to assess the system. A professional plumber will recommend whether you need a new water heater or conduct minor repairs.
Endnote
A water heater contributes significantly to the comfort of your home. It supplies hot water around the house and ensures water safety for family consumption. Hence, if you notice any warning signs that may cause your water heater to stop working properly, always consider replacing it with a new and efficient one.
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