Top 6 Signs It's Time to Replace a Water Heater
Water heaters are one of the most critical fixtures within a home, providing the household with ample hot water reserves. When they malfunction, they cause a lot of inconveniences and require costly repairs.
Here are the telltale signs that it's time to replace a water heater.
The age of the water heater
Homeowners who have used the same water heater since moving into a property should consider replacing it. The older a heater gets, the more maintenance it requires. A heater older than ten years that hasn't been maintained properly can negatively impact the water quality. Additionally, repairing an old water heater is expensive, and replacing it with a more efficient model is wise.
Lack of hot water
The heating system suffers significant wear and tear so that an old heater won't hold a lot of warm water. It will take more energy and time to fill the tank with hot water. Homeowners often notice that the reserves of warm water run out quickly. This lackluster performance is usually due to the heater's age. When its elements are worn, the best solution is investing in a new heater.
Higher heating bills
Tanks consume a lot of energy to produce hot water, so an energy-efficient fixture is instrumental in optimizing the home's energy usage. When heating bills increase sharply, the culprit is usually an aging water heater. Its slow and inefficient operation requires more energy to heat the water, negatively impacting the household budget. An experienced professional will inspect the heater and recommend the best energy-friendly replacement options.
Mineral buildup in the water tank
Water is hardly ever wholly pure. It contains minerals that won't harm our wellbeing, so consuming them isn't unduly alarming. However, these minerals latch onto the heater's interior, forming a thick barrier between the heating elements and the water. The barrier grows thicker the more the heater is engaged, so the fixture needs more time to produce hot water. This accumulation can also cause structural damage, creating cracks and dents in the heater's exterior.
Frequent leaks
When the heater's metal structure cracks, water gushes out from the tank. Leaks are common with household water fixtures, but repeated issues indicate a more severe issue with the heater. An expert will assess the severity of the problem and determine whether a replacement is necessary.
Corrosion
When there's corrosion on the outside or the inside of the water tank, it's a sure sign that it's time to replace the old fixture. Corrosion leads to irreversible damage, and most repairs will be ineffective and won't prevent leaking.
Contact a professional
Replacing an old water heater saves homeowners time and money, ensuring that the home has access to hot water.
Anyone looking to replace their old heater should contact a professional plumbing service. They'll recommend the best model to maximize the home's functionality and serve it for years to come.
If you need a licensed, bonded, experienced plumber for plumbing installation and service in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Ahwatukee or San Tan Valley call Norfleet Family Plumbing Heating and Air at 480-681-1764.
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