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8 Issues That Indicate It May Be Time For A Water Heater Replacement | Myrtle Beach, SC
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In a perfect world, every appliance in your Myrtle Beach, SC home would last forever. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world, and every appliance in your home has a lifespan and will need to be replaced.
The water heater in your home is an appliance, and it is also an essential part of your plumbing system. The water heater is designed to heat the water in the tank and keep it heated, so you have hot water available when you need it. The average lifespan of a water heater is between 8 and 12 years old. When the unit reaches its maximum lifespan, it won’t function properly, and a water heater replacement will be necessary. In most cases, your water heater will begin exhibiting signs to let you know that it has reached the end of its lifespan.
If your water heater starts experiencing any of the following signs, it may be time to start planning for a new water heater.
#1 You Have No Hot Water
A lack of hot water could indicate it is time for a water heater replacement. This issue may not be due to the water heater; therefore, check the power or fuel source before you make the call. If you have a propane or oil-fueled water heater, make sure there is fuel in the tank. If your water heater uses natural gas, make sure your gas bill has been paid and check the company’s website to rule out a widespread power outage. Finally, if you have an electric water heater, make sure there is power going to the unit.
If everything checks out, you will need to call a plumber. They can inspect the water heater to determine if the issue can be repaired or if a water heater replacement is the best option.
#2 The Water Isn’t Hot Enough
If you allow the hot water to run and it doesn’t get hotter than lukewarm, check the setting on the thermostat. The EPA recommends keeping the thermostat set to 120 degrees to prevent scalding. If the thermostat is set too low, adjusting it should solve the problem.
If the thermostat is set correctly, call a plumber. If one of the heating elements has failed, the functional heating element won’t be powerful enough to keep the water heated to the desired temperature. This issue could also signify that your unit has reached the end of its lifespan. When the water heater can no longer function efficiently, the water won’t get hotter than lukewarm, and a water heater replacement will be necessary.
#3 You Frequently Run Out of Hot Water
Do you run out of hot water frequently? Do you find it challenging to make it through an entire shower without running out of hot water? If so, you should call a plumber.
If your family’s hot water demand has increased after someone new moved into your Myrtle Beach, SC home, or you installed your first washing machine or dishwasher, a water heater replacement will be necessary because your existing water heater isn’t large enough to handle your hot water demand.
If your family’s hot water demand hasn’t changed, there are likely large pieces of sediment in the water tank, and there isn’t enough space for hot water storage. A plumber can try to flush the sediment; however, if they can’t, a water heater replacement will be necessary.
#4 Discolored Hot Water
When you turn on the hot water tap in your home, you expect it to be clean and clear. If the hot water has a brownish tint, you should call a plumber immediately.
When large pieces of sediment build up in the tank, the hot water can cause it to break apart, contaminating the water. If the plumber cannot remove the sediment, you will need to replace your water heater.
Discolored water can also occur when the inside of the water tank starts breaking down. When this happens, small pieces of metal, mineral deposits, and sediment can contaminate the water, and a water heater replacement will be the only way to solve this problem.
#5 Foul-Smelling Hot Water
The hot water coming from the faucets and showerheads in your Myrtle Beach, SC home should be odorless. If the water smells like rotten eggs, you should call a plumber right away.
The smell indicates sulfur bacteria in the tank, creating a foul smell. If the plumber cannot flush the water and the bacteria from the tank, a water heater replacement will be necessary.
#6 Poor Hot Water Pressure
Poor hot water pressure is frustrating because simple daily tasks will take longer than necessary. In addition, your hot water-based appliances rely on adequate water pressure to function correctly.
Poor hot water pressure indicates sludge clogging the water lines. A plumber can clear the waterline; however, a water heater replacement will be necessary if they cannot remove the sludge. If you don’t replace your water heater, it will just be a matter of time before the waterline gets clogged again.
#7 Unusual Sounds
Your water heater should be whisper quiet if it is working correctly. If you hear a banging sound coming from the unit, there are likely large pieces of sediment banging against the inside of the tank. A popping sound also signifies sediment in the tank. When water gets trapped beneath the sediment, it will boil, causing a popping sound.
If the plumber cannot flush the sediment, a water heater replacement will be necessary. If you don’t replace the unit, the sediment can crack the tank, causing 50+ gallons of water to flood your home.
#8 Leaks
A leak in the water heater will require a replacement. Leaks cannot be repaired, and you should call a plumber immediately to prevent a significant flood in your home.
Why Choose Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach?
If you believe it is time to replace your water heater, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach. We are a full-service plumbing service, serving customers in the area for years.
Our plumbers are highly trained, skilled and experienced, and can handle any plumbing issue you have, whether simple or something more complicated. If you have a plumbing issue and we aren’t in the office, don’t panic. We provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We are a member of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors Association and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We also have a 5-star rating on Google.
To schedule an appointment to have your water heater replaced or for any other plumbing service, give us a call today.