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5 Signs That It Is Time For A Water Heater Replacement | Myrtle Beach, SC
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The water heater in your Myrtle Beach, SC home, is one of the most important appliances. Without a properly functioning water heater, appliances that require hot water like the dishwasher and the washing machine won’t work correctly. Also, everyday tasks like taking a shower, washing your hands, and cleaning up around the house can be difficult or impossible. If your water heater isn’t working properly, it may need to be repaired or you may need a water heater replacement. However, there are cases where you would need to have your water heater replaced. If you aren’t sure if your water heater needs to be replaced, there are a few signs that you should look for.
#1 Rusty Water
If you turn on the water in your home, and it comes out rusty, it is a serious cause for concern. The first thing that you should do is check to see if the hot and cold water is rusty. If so, there is a good chance that the problem lies within the pipes. If the inside of your pipes is rusty, it will cause the cold and hot water to be rusty. If just the hot water is coming out rusty, there is a good chance that you need to call a plumber for a replacement. The rust coming out has probably built up inside the tank, which cannot be repaired. Once the inside of the tank rusts, you will need to replace your water heater.
#2 Rumbling Noises Inside the Water Heater
A properly functioning water heater should be silent. You shouldn’t hear any more than a very faint hum when the water heater is running. If you hear rumbling or clanging sounds inside your water heater, you will probably need to call a plumber for a water heater replacement. Over time, sediment can build up inside the water tank. In the early stages, you won’t notice anything. As the problem progresses, the sediment will start making a rumbling or clanging sound inside the tank. In most cases, this cannot be repaired, and you will need to call for a replacement.
#3 Leaks
If you notice that there is water around the water heater in your home, the first thing you need to do is figure out where the water is coming from. If the water seems to be coming from the top of the water heater, there is likely a break in one of the hoses, or a hose is not attached correctly. This is a simple fix. However, if the water appears to be coming from the bottom of the water tank, you will need to call a professional for a water heater replacement. While the water heater is in use, the metal heats up, and it expands. Over time, this can cause small fractures in the metal, which causes the water to leak. This is considered an emergency. Most water heaters contain at least 100 gallons of water. At first, the leak will be slow, but it can still cause water damage. If the problem is ignored and the tank weakens, all of the water in the tank can flood the home. This can cause severe damage to the structure of the house and everything around the water tank. If your water heater is leaking, you are going to need a replacement. It is essential that you call a plumber as soon as you notice water pooling around the water heater.
#4 Not Enough Hot Water
If you notice that you don’t have enough hot water for one or two showers, it is probably time to call for a water heater replacement. This could be happening for a couple of reasons. First, one of the elements could be malfunctioning. This can make it difficult to heat all of the water in the tank. Fortunately, this is something that can be repaired. If sediment has built up in the water tank, it can cover the heating element, which will make it difficult for the water to heat up. When this happens, it is time for a replacement. Another reason that this could be happening is that your existing water heater isn’t large enough, and you need a larger water heater. If your family has grown, your water heater will need to grow with it. The more people live in the home, the higher the demand for hot water. In this case, you will need to call a professional in water heater replacement and have a larger tank installed. You can also consider installing a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. When you choose this type for your water heater replacement, you won’t need to worry about running out of hot water again.
#5 The Age Of Your Water Heater
Like all of the appliances in your home, your water heater has a maximum life expectancy. The average lifespan of a water heater is between 8 and 12-years old. If your water heater needs frequent repairs and it has reached its maximum lifespan, you should consider water heater replacement. Replacing the water heater when it gets old can save you a lot of money on repair costs in the future.
If you need water heater repair or water heater replacement in your Myrtle Beach, SC home, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Each of our plumbers is licensed, insured, and highly qualified. We can send a plumber to your home to determine if your water heater can be repaired or if you need a complete water heater replacement. After choosing the best course of action, we can handle the job. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we understand that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time. This is why we offer 24/7 emergency service. If your water heater fails during the weekend or on a holiday, we will be available to figure out what is causing the problem. Whether you need to have your water heater repaired or if it needs to be replaced, we can take care of it at any time of the day or night. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today. The sooner you make the call, the sooner you will have hot water.