A water heater is a vital appliance in a lot of homes. It provides hot water for your entire house, helps heat your water for everything from your showers to your sinks. But, do you know when it’s time to call a professional to replace your home’s water heater?
Signs of A Dying Water Heater
The following signs are when you should contact a professional about the next steps and solutions regarding your hot water heater.
Age
Water heaters are not meant to last forever. Not all water heaters are made the same; it depends on the make and model to know how long one might last. Most tend to have a life expectancy of about six to 13 years. If your machine is getting to be upwards of ten years old, it is a good idea to have a professional inspect the appliance to see if it is still running optimally.
Strange Noises
It’s not uncommon for your water heater to make a bit of noise while it runs; a low hum can usually be expected. Hearing snapping, popping, and hissing from your water heater is not a good sound. These can be signs of a build-up, leak, or broken part within your machine.
No Water
A sure-fire sign that your water heater is on its last legs is if your house keeps running out of water. If you aren’t getting enough water out of your sink or shower, it may be time to check on your water heater. It should be noted this is not just about running out of hot water (though that can also be a sign to watch out for) but just about the amount of water in your home in general.
Strange Water
If you get water from your tap and it seems off, that could be a sign your water heater isn’t performing well. If you see discolored or cloudy water, if it tastes metallic or dusty or has an odd smell, it’s time to call a professional.
Machine Appearance
Taking time to look at the appearance of your water heater can help catch issues sooner rather than later. You should be looking out for cracks, rust, excessive dust, and puddles under the machine. All of these things can be signs of a more significant issue.
Bills
No one likes to spend more money than they have to. If you’ve noticed your monthly heating, water, or electricity bills slowly becoming more expensive, this can be a result of a suboptimal water heater. If your water heater isn’t as efficient as it should be, it will try to make up for that by working harder, but this will cause it to use more gas and electricity, causing you to spend more money on your monthly bills.
Missing Maintenance
When was the last time you had your machine inspected? When was the last time you checked if all the parts were working? How about the last time you flushed your system or turned off the water? If you have been skipping and ignoring taking the time to get maintenance on your machine, that could result in your water heater wearing down. Scheduling regular maintenance can help save you time, money, and frustration in the future.
Repair vs. Replacement
Even if some of the above signs are present in your water heater, it doesn’t mean the whole machine needs to go out with the bathwater. If your machine is less than ten years old, the solution could be smaller than buying and installing a whole new unit. When these signs start to present themselves, it’s essential to contact a professional to see what they recommend. Catching the problem early can make all the difference in your home and to your wallet.
For all of your water heating needs and questions, contact Steve’s Plumbing & A/C Service (808) 563-4054. at (808) 563-4054! We are the experts in fixing and installing water heaters.
