Ice cold water coming out of a hot water faucet can be a nightmare. Spending time and energy finding a solution adds stress to the lack of hot water. In addition, most homeowners do not know whether to repair or replace a non-working water heater.
A water heater rarely stops working suddenly. However, the unit may give subtle hints that failure is imminent. Continue to read to learn some of the common signs that a new water heater is needed are listed below.
THE AGE OF THE HOT WATER TANK
Conventional water heaters last between 8 to 10 years. They start to break down and lose energy efficiency after about ten years. An aging water heater should be replaced before it stops working to avoid an emergency replacement.
DISCOLORED WATER
Brown or red water coming from the faucets might mean the tank is corroding and rust has leaked into the water supply. Ingesting rusty water is unpleasant and potentially unhealthy. A water heater specialist should be contacted to replace the unit.
LOUD NOISES
Sediment buildup in the water tank can cause noises, such as gurgling and knocking. Sometimes, regular flushing removes sediment deposits. However, water tanks over ten years old usually need replacing.
HIGH ENERGY BILLS
An unexpected rise in energy usage and cost can indicate that a home needs a new water heater. A unit that uses extra energy to heat the same amount of water needs switching out with a more energy-efficient model.
WATER LEAKING FROM THE TANK
The solution for a leaking water heater is an immediate replacement. Pressure in the tank or a broken unit valve may be the cause. Either issue may cause the tank to explode.
Signs of a water tank leak include puddles or moisture around the base of the unit and corrosion on the side of the tank. Homeowners should call a water heater professional at the first sign of a hot water tank leak.
CLOUDY WATER
Cloudy water may mean there is sediment buildup in the water heater. This situation may warrant a new water heater.
WATER NOT HEATING
The sign of a broken heating element is cold water coming from the hot water faucet. A trained technician is qualified to determine whether this is the case.
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE
If there is no record of regular maintenance at the time of a home purchase, the new homeowners should purchase a new water heater.
WHEN TO REPLACE A TANKLESS WATER HEATER
Tankless water heaters may last 20 years or more. However, some issues indicate that a home needs a new water heater before that time has passed, such as:
- the water heater loses efficiency with moderate demand
- increased repairs required over a short amount of time
Homeowners should avoid the temptation to keep repairing a tankless water heater rather than buying a new one. Repair costs can eventually add up to more than the price of a new system.
REPLACE OR REPAIR
A lack of hot water in the home cannot be ignored. Taking guesses or attempting do-it-yourself fixes only make a bad situation worse. Fortunately, homeowners can turn to a licensed plumbing expert for a safe and effective solution to their hot water dilemma.