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7 Signs That It May Be Time For A Water Heater Replacement | Myrtle Beach, SC
Have you ever thought about how much your family relies on hot water? You will see that you need hot water to perform daily household tasks multiple times a day if you have. Life in your Myrtle Beach, SC home can be inconvenient and challenging without hot water.
You already know that the water coming into the home is cold, and it’s the water heater’s job to heat and store the water, so it’s always there when you need it. The average lifespan of a tank water heater is between 8 and 10 years, and the unit will need to be replaced.
If your water heater experiences any of the following issues, you should call a plumber specializing in water heater replacement.
#1 You Have No Hot Water
A lack of hot water can occur due to a few different reasons. The first is an issue with the fuel source. For example, if you have an oil-flamed water heater, make sure there is oil in the tank, and you should check the fuel source regardless of the type of water heater you have.
The issue could also be due to a failed heating element. If your unit is close to ten years, it’s best to schedule an appointment. It’s not worth the money to repair or replace the heating element when the unit is so close to the end of its lifespan.
Finally, if the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, it won’t function efficiently and won’t have enough power to heat the water; therefore, a water heater replacement will be necessary.
#2 The Water Isn’t Hot Enough
If the hot water doesn’t get hotter than lukewarm, you should call a plumber. Some water heaters have two heating elements, and if one fails, the other won’t have enough power to heat the water to the desired temperature.
The unit’s age can also be the problem, and if it’s ten years old or older, the unit may not be able to function efficiently enough to heat the water, and a water heater replacement will be necessary.
A plumber can come to your home to determine if the unit can be repaired or if it should be replaced.
#3 You Frequently Run Out of Hot Water
It isn’t uncommon to run out of water occasionally when your family uses too much hot water in a short period of time. However, if you frequently run out of hot water, you have a problem and should call a plumber right away.
A change in your household could be the cause. If someone new recently started living in your Myrtle Beach, SC home, your existing water heater may not be large enough to meet your family’s hot water demand. If this is the case, a professional in water heater replacement can install a unit with a larger tank. You can go with a tankless water heater that provides hot water on demand, saving you money on your energy bills. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about running out of hot water again.
If nothing has changed in your home, there could be large pieces of sediment in the tank. The sediment will take up space in the water tank, leaving less room for water storage. If this is the problem, a plumber can try to flush the sediment, but if they can’t, a water heater replacement will be necessary.
#4 Strange Sounds
The water heater in your home should be whisper quiet when it runs. You should call a plumber right away if you hear a banging or popping sound.
Banging indicates large pieces of sediment in the tank, and if you ignore the problem, the sediment can crack the tank, causing 50+ gallons of water to flood your home. Popping also indicates sediment, and when hot water gets trapped under the sediment, it starts to boil, causing the popping sound.
A plumber can try to flush the sediment; however, if it’s not possible, the water heater repair appointment will become a water heater replacement.
#5 Discolored Hot Water
If you turn on the water in your Myrtle Beach, SC home and the cold water is clear, but the hot water is rust-colored, you should call a plumber right away.
When sediment forms in the tank, the hot water can break it apart, contaminating the water. If the plumber can’t remove the sediment, you will need to replace your water heater.
If the unit is over ten years old, the inside of the tank could be breaking down, and small pieces of metal and sediment can contaminate the water. This cannot be fixed, and a water heater repair will be necessary.
#6 Poor Hot Water Pressure
Low water pressure is frustrating because simple daily tasks will take longer without adequate water pressure, and your water-based appliances won’t function at peak performance.
When sediment builds up in the water tank, it can clog the waterline, resulting in poor hot water pressure. A plumber can clear the waterline; however, a water heater replacement is necessary to prevent the problem from happening again.
#7 Leaks
Water leaking from the unit is a serious problem, as it can cause 50+ gallons of water to flood your home. You will need to immediately schedule an emergency appointment with a plumber to prevent severe water damage and mold growth around the unit.
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach
If you believe it’s time for a water heater replacement or any other plumbing problem, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth. We are a full-service plumbing company and have been serving customers in the area for over two decades.
Our owner started the company because he wanted to raise the level of standard in the plumbing industry.
We are members of the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. In addition, we have a 5-star rating on Google and won Home Advisor’s Best Of award in 2021.
Our plumbers are professionally trained and qualified and can handle any job, regardless of its complexity. We provide a long list of plumbing services, and every customer gets a free camera inspection.
To schedule an appointment for water heater replacement or any other plumbing issue, give us a call today.