A lot of homeowners seldom check their water heaters. Some people will only pay attention to this equipment when the water coming out of their showers is ice cold. When this happens, most of us will realize that a water heater is an essential piece of household equipment that we shouldn’t take for granted. As such, you have to keep in mind that proper care and maintenance of your water heater are necessary to ensure that hot water will always be available.
Unfortunately, this equipment will not last forever, and it will show some signs when it is ready to retire. To give you a better view, our professional plumbers at Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain have made a list of symptoms to determine if your need a new water heater.
What is the Age of Your Water Heater?
Always remember that knowing when your water heater was installed is crucial. The reason is that the age of the water heater is a significant factor to consider when determining its overall performance. Although there is a debate regarding the lifespan of this household equipment, a lot of experts agree that the average lifespan of a water heater will range between 8 to 12 years. Even so, the lifespan of a water heater will still depend on several factors, including water quality and the minerals found in your water supply.
Aside from that, you should also consider how often the equipment is used. Of course, its lifespan will also depend on its type. So, you have to determine if your water heater is solar-powered, electric, gas, conventional storage tank, tankless, heat pump, or high-efficiency.
What if you don’t know your water heater’s actual age? Keep in mind that almost all water heaters have a serial number or manufacturing date on the tank. With that being said, the date or the serial number of the unit will not tell you when the equipment was installed; however, it can give you an estimate of when the equipment was on the market. As such, you can use these details to determine the actual age of your water heater. Still, this equipment will show some signs when it is time to consider installing a new water heater.
Is Your Faucet or Showerhead Releasing Discolored Water?
As you know, sediments, rust, and other impurities may build-up at the bottom of your tank after some time. As such, the build-up in your water heater can be used as a determining factor for the equipment’s lifespan. However, you won’t be able to look inside your water heater. For these reasons, you can consider the quality of water that is coming out of your showerheads and faucets. The most common sign of build-up is when the water is color brown. If your showerhead or faucet is releasing discolored water, it means that you should flush your water heater.
Some homeowners consider water heater flushing as a DIY project. However, our knowledgeable, professional plumbers recommend consulting an expert. Remember, you may end up with holes if flushing is done improperly. As such, you may end up with a bigger plumbing problem. On the other hand, you may need to repair or replace your water heater if flushing does not fix the issue. For these reasons, it is best to call professional plumbers so that you can save some time, effort, and, most importantly, money.
Do You Hear Unsettling Sounds?
When the sediments and other impurities accumulate in your tank, they will harden over time. As a result, you may hear unsettling sounds, like rumbling and banging, coming from the equipment. These noises happen because of the heating and reheating of the water in the tank. As such, unsettling sounds coming from your tank is usually an indication that the accumulation of build-up of sediment in your tank is already too much. Our professional plumbers recommend investing in a new water heater when this happens.
When Should You Consult a Professional?
If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, it is recommended to call or consult a professional. Keep in mind that installing a new water heater can offer some perks. For example, you can save some money on water bills because most models available in the market are energy-efficient. In fact, you can save about $700 if you start using energy-efficient devices. In addition, the professional plumbers at Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain are knowledgeable, and they will provide honest recommendations regarding your problem. Plus, they will offer you the best solution so that you can save time, money, and effort.
Do You Want to Talk with One of Our Plumbing Professionals?
If you want to talk with one of our expert plumbers, you can call Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 404-6575, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!