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7 Telltale Signs It Is Time For Water Heater Replacement | Myrtle Beach, SC
In an ideal world, your Myrtle Beach, SC home’s appliances would last a lifetime. Regrettably, life isn’t perfect, and your appliances, including your water heater, have a maximum lifespan. An average water heater will last between 8 and 12 years. Beyond this, a total breakdown may occur. Having to deal with a broken water heater is something no homeowner wants to deal with. Even the most basic everyday duties, like taking a shower or doing the dishes, will be challenging without a working water heater.
Recognizing the warning signs that indicate it’s time for water heater replacement is the best way to avoid this. If you know what to look for, you can replace your water heater before it completely breaks down and complicates your life.
Signs to Watch Out For
Lack of Hot Water
If you find yourself taking cold showers more frequently because your water heater is no longer producing hot water, then it’s time to consider a water heater replacement. There are a few things you should look into before getting too concerned about your water heater.
- Ensure the pilot is lit on your gas water heater and that there isn’t a gas shortage in the area.
- If you have an oil water heater, ensure there is oil in the tank and the pilot light is lit
- If your water heater is electric, check to see that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped and that power is still reaching the appliance.
If everything seems normal, it’s time to bring in a water heater repair expert. If the problem is not too severe, they may be able to fix it. However, it’s more likely the heating elements have failed, and water heater replacement is necessary.
Your Water Heater Is Over 10 Years Old and Is Showing Signs of Old Age
Water heaters have a limited lifespan. The average lifespan of a water heater is ten years, though this can vary widely depending on the quality of the heater and how often it is used. Check the serial number on the manufacturer’s label, which is often located on the tank’s upper half, to determine how old your water heater is. Typically, the date can be challenging to determine. The format will resemble something like C200123789. Months are designated by letters, and the first two digits after the letter represent the year. The water heater in this sample was produced in March 2020. March is denoted by the letter C, the third letter of the alphabet.
If your water heater is ten years or older, you may want to consider water heater replacement.
Hot Water Runs Out Quickly
Running out of hot water in the middle of a shower can be quite annoying. If this keeps happening, it could be time for a replacement.
If the demand for hot water has increased due to a new resident or the installation of a washing machine or dishwasher, then replacement is necessary. To keep up with your household’s needs for hot water, you’ll want to upgrade to a water heater with a larger tank. Tankless water heaters are another option because they deliver hot water only when needed.
Even if your hot water demand hasn’t increased, the amount stored in your water heater’s tank may have decreased due to sediment buildup. This is a common problem with older water heaters, which usually means it’s time to get a new one.
Hot Water Discoloration
If your home’s water has a brownish tinge when you run the tap, you have a major plumbing issue. Corroded pipes will cause your home’s hot and cold water to be discolored. If the problem only occurs with hot water, your water heater has a problem.
When sediment settles at the bottom of the water storage tank, it can eventually dissolve and seep into the water supply. Your water heater might be repairable if the problem isn’t too severe and the unit is still relatively new. A water heater replacement is necessary if the silt level in the tank rises above a certain threshold or the heater is over ten years old. A new water heater should be installed immediately to avoid potential health problems associated with drinking tainted water.
Questionable Noises Coming from the Heater
If your water heater is making a thudding or banging noise, it may be time to replace it. Silt in the water tank might cause loud banging as the sediment hits the tank’s interior. The banging noise is usually caused by large chunks of silt that cannot be removed. If the issue is not resolved, the sediment rattling around in the tank could eventually shatter it, making a replacement necessary.
Puddles Around the Water Heater
If you notice water pools around your water heater’s tank, then water heater replacement is necessary. There’s probably a crack in the water tank causing the leak. Ignoring the problem could lead to water from the tank flooding your home, leading to water damage.
Loss of Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be a major nuisance. It can make normal, day-to-day activities more challenging and time-consuming than they need to be. In addition, if your water pressure is too low, none of your water-using appliances will perform at their full potential.
When both the hot and cold water pressure is low, it usually means there is a leak somewhere in the water supply line. If only the hot water pressure is low, then the problem likely lies within your water heater. Sediment in the water tank can reduce water pressure by blocking the pipes. A plumber may be able to clear the water line if the problem is not too serious. When sediment buildup becomes too great, and your water heater is older than ten years, water heater replacement is the better option.
Looking to Replace Your Water Heater?
Do any of these warning signs ring a bell? If so, it may be time for a water heater replacement. Some water heater problems can be resolved by performing expert repairs, replacing components, or cleaning sediment from the tank. On the other hand, some issues necessitate a replacement. With decades in the business, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach is the go-to plumbing contractor for troubleshooting water heater systems in Myrtle Beach, SC. Our professionals will evaluate your system and advise you on whether a repair or replacement of your water heater is necessary. We will also help to determine the size water heater that will provide enough hot water while still being affordable. Contact us to learn more about water heater replacement in Myrtle Beach, SC.