An intact water heater is one of the more important components your home provides towards your quality of life. Many of us are aware of the importance of plumbing as a whole, but we often overlook the significance of a water heater until it breaks down. Warm showers, clean clothes, sanitized dishes, are all at risk if you own a damaged water heater. When do I replace my water heater? What caused my water heater to break down? What kind of water heater should I purchase? If you are in search of answers for any of the aforementioned questions or any other questions regarding the replacement of your water heater, you are in the right place. So let’s dive in and decide if it is time to replace your water heater.
A Water Heater’s Life Expectancy
Not all water heaters must encounter some sort of damage in order to be replaced. The truth is that water heaters have a lifespan. Regardless of the make, model or maintenance, there comes a time when your water heater has accomplished all that it can. The average lifespan of a water heater is about eight to twelve years. The number fluctuates based on the location, maintenance, and model of your water heater. Regular maintenance more than anything decides the life span of your water heater. Or the lack of maintenance. With proper scheduled maintenance you can extend your water heater’s life for years. On the other hand, a lack of maintenance could cause your water heater to fizz out well before it should. If time is an issue, contact a local Greenwood Indiana Plumber, they can plan regular water heater maintenance around your busy schedule.
What are signs that I need to replace my water heater?
There are a multitude of signs to look out for when deciding if your water heater is in need of replacing. Once you are knowledgeable on what to look for, then it’s up to you to keep a keen eye (and sometimes ear) out for water heater trouble. You may not always be able to save your generator but the earlier you are aware of the issue, the cheaper the outcome. If you notice any of the following issues, contact an Greenwood Indiana Plumbing professional, so they can discuss your best options.
Rust Colored Water
Rust colored water is water of the more obvious signs that you need to replace your water heater. Rusty water means that metals on the interior tank are corroding. Not only may your tank completely shut down at some point. The metals in the water are toxic to drink
Loud Knocking Noise
A proper water heater may make a slight sound, but it shouldn’t create a loud banging noise that you might even hear throughout the house. Banging noises in a water heater are usually created by sediment. When natural minerals found in water settle at the bottom of a tank it creates a hard layer of sediment. When your water heats up it breaks off, and bangs around your water tank. A plumbing professional can clean and remove tank sediment for you.
Water Leak
One of the most common problems that homeowners face in regards to plumbing is leakage, and it’s no different when it comes to water heaters. Water heater leaks are very common. Your water heater may leak because the tank’s metal frame has corroded away. It may leak because your water heater is 15 years old and much past its prime. Regardless of the reason, if you notice your water heater leaking, contact a license professional immediately. Water damage not only affects your plumbing, it can affect your home as a whole.
Lack of Hot Water
Are you up all night waiting for your bath water to finally warm up? Do you have less than 60 seconds to shower in the morning before the water turns arctic cold? Well not only is it uncomfortable and inconvenient, it is also a sign that your water heater may be on the fritz. One possible reason for a lack of water is sediment build up. Sediment builds up at the base where the actual heater is. If you own an electrical heater it may be harder to pinpoint the problem with a blind eye. Contact a Greenwood Indiana Plumber and ask them to come take a look.
New Water Heater
Once you decide you are in the market for a new water heater there are a few things you should keep in mind like the efficiency, the dimensions of the heater, and the water capacity. Though the biggest plumbing debate in 2023 is tank versus tankless water heaters. Tank heaters are classic and self explanatory. Tankless water heaters have a convenient size, longer lifespan, and bottomless hot water as compared to its tank cousin. Though tankless water heaters are also paired with higher price tags.
Winter 2023 is not the time to be without a functioning water heater. The effects of a broken water heater starts at inconvenient and goes all the way up to hazardous. It’s up to you to be observant and know when to contact a licensed Indiana plumber in your area. Time is always of the essence. Your family will thank you later
