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Most American households rely on water heaters for hot water during the cold winter months. By having a water heater at home, you don’t need to hot water manually on the stove and wait for several minutes before you can use it. Water heaters can provide you with hot water in just a few seconds after turning on the hot water tap. However, just like any home appliance, your water heater also deteriorates with age. You have to watch out for the signs of water heater failure to save your family and home from safety risks.
Here are the top 6 telltale signs you need to replace your water heater:
Your water heater is not producing enough hot water.
If the water turns cold before you can finish your shower, your water heater is most likely the one to blame. Industry experts say such a water heater issue is usually the result of sediment buildup inside the tank. Sediment buildup decreases the amount of hot water your heater appliance can produce. You can try to flush out the sediment out of the water heater. However, replacing the unit would be a better option.
You can hear strange noises from inside the unit.
Do you hear strange noises from inside your water heater unit? Your water makes strange noises for different reasons. A popping sound indicates mineral deposits and sediments at the bottom of the tank. On the other hand, a screeching sound means a partially closed inlet control valve, which prevents the water from flowing through the pipes. You can find the best and safest solutions to these problems by hiring a professional plumber.
You are getting rusty water out of the hot water tap.
While the presence of rust in water does not necessarily mean the water is not safe to drink or use, ignoring the problem can put your heater at risk of further damage. Rusty water coming out of the hot water tap is a sign of water heater corrosion. Unless fixed, your heater might start leaking soon.
You can see water leaks around the unit.
Are you noticing water puddles around your unit? If yes, it is important that you call your plumber’s attention right away. Water leaking from the tank is a serious plumbing problem and should be dealt with at the earliest time. The longer you let the water leak stay, the higher the risk of flooding inside your home. You should call for a water heater replacement before it’s too late.
Your water heater is already decades old.
According to the United States Department of Energy, a water heater will last 10 to 20 years, depending on the type of unit. The conventional storage-tank water heaters can last for 8 to 12 years on average. Thus, if your unit is already decades old, it is high time that you replace it with a newer, high efficiency unit. Consult a pro regarding the type of water heater that will best work for your home.
Your water heating bill is unusually high.
The DOE reported that water heating accounts for 18% of your home’s overall energy use. With a faulty water heater, you could be paying more than the normal water heating cost for one household. To avoid standby heat loss, which usually causes your water heating bill to increase, replace your old storage-tank water heater with a tankless water heater.
Make the switch to demand-type or tankless water heaters
Many homeowners have made the switch to tankless water heaters, and you should, too. A demand-type or tankless water heater only heats water as it is needed. So, you can expect significant savings on energy costs if you decide to install it in your home. The DOE says you can achieve even greater energy savings of 27%–50% if you install a demand water heater at each hot water outlet. Other known benefits of installing a tankless unit are a longer lifespan, long-term warranty, and easy unit installation and removal.
Whenever you are ready to install a new water heater, a professional plumber is always available to help you. Choose to hire a professional water heater installation service instead of taking on risky DIYs. Consult a licensed plumber now! For more detailed information about Bathroom Tile Wraps visit our website.
