Problems with your water heater can put a real strain on daily activities such as taking a shower, having a bath, doing the dishes, and completing the laundry.
Has your water heater been having issues lately? Have you been debating whether you should replace it or not? Thankfully, there are some key warning signs that indicate that it may soon be time to replace this appliance. Here are four of them!
Your Water Is No Longer Hot
When you use hot water and it is just warm – or cold – then the heating elements or electric thermostat may be failing.
A lack of hot water could also be caused by an undersized water heater or crossed hot and cold connections. Check that your heater has 75 percent of its capacity as hot water. To check for a crossed connection, turn off the water supply and then turn on a hot water faucet. If water still flows, a crossed connection may be to blame.
A simple repair may suffice for the time being. However, if constant repairs are needed or a repair is too costly, a replacement may be a better option.
Hot Water Heater Maintenance
If your water heater has needed regular repairs for the past several months, it may be time to get a new heater altogether.
Constant repairs can start to rack up financially and may end costing you more than you think. When you add up the cost of frequent repair bills versus the peace of mind gained from installing a new water heater, the latter is usually the better option.
Tap Water is Muddy
Sandy and/or muddy looking water may result from sediment or mud building up inside the water heater. This buildup can cause different parts of the heater to break down, create leaks, and cause other issues.
The Age of the Hot Water Heater
While your water heater’s age should not be the sole indicator of whether to get it replaced or not, it may be a sign. If your water heater is at least 10-15 years old and displays some of the other warning signs above, a replacement may be best.
Hard water, water pressure, level of usage and a variety of other factors can contribute to the lifespan of your water heater so it’s often a guess how long it will last. Any water heater older than 10 years old is often worth replacing as repairs might not be worth it to extend it another year or two. Furthermore, the longer you keep an older water heater in your basement, the greater the chance it will rust out and spring a leak that could flood your basement.
However, if your heater is several years old but does not show any indications of wear and tear, a replacement may not be needed. In this case, it’s best to get your water heater inspected by a professional as a precaution. If you rent your water heater in Ontario – you’ll want to call your rental provider to inspect your tank. If you are unsure if you rent or own your water heater, have a look at your tank. If it has a phone number along with a rental company name, then you rent it. You can also call your rental company to determine the age of your tank.
If you own your tank, call a professional plumber or HVAC expert who deals with water heaters. If you are unsure how old your water tank is, you can often call the manufacturer and give them the serial number to determine the age.
Get Advice From a Professional
If your water heater is displaying any of these warning signs, it’s best to get it seen by a professional plumber as soon as possible. Although a replacement may not be needed immediately, a professional can help you make the right decision about repairing or replacing your unit.
Aside from water heater issues, Wentworth Plumbing can solve many other plumbing problems, too. Whether you are looking for a residential, commercial or industrial plumber, Wentworth Plumbing has got you covered!