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Is It Time For Water Heater Replacement? Top Five Warning Signs From Your Seasoned Technician | Myrtle Beach, SC
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Water is an essential resource in every household. From facilitating cleaning and showering to drinking and cooking, we entirely depend on it for our survival. At times, due to factors and circumstances such as weather variations and health risks, you might require the water at a warmer temperature. The availability of warm running water has become a vital part of daily living, failure to which the overall comfort of the home gets affected. And that is why having a functioning water heater is paramount.
Local homeowners can prolong their water heater lifespan by investing in regular maintenance services. However, the appliances are prone to wear and tear and other damages due to factors such as old age and usage strain. When that happens, you might have to consider a water heater replacement to continue enjoying the hot water privilege. Below are some signs that may indicate it is time to replace your water heater.
Age
The general lifespan of a water heater is between 8 to 10 years. The recommended time to replace the water heater is 10 years, but the need to replace might arise before or after the said timeline. Homeowners ought to know the age of their water heater to avoid structural damages and inconveniences. But how do you know the age of your water heater? Most water heaters come with a serial number listed on the sticker with the year of the manufacturing date.
If you do not find the information, you can seek the help of a professional plumber or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information and inquiries. Before purchasing a house, it will suit you to inquire about the age of the heater in place and find out whether you will have to seek a replacement for your water heater services soon. That will give you the bargaining power on the asking price, and you can get a sweeter deal.
Rusty water and fixtures
Another sign of a faulty water heater is corrosion on the top and bottom. When water comes into contact with steel, deterioration is inevitable. Rust takes years to accumulate, but once it happens, it spreads fast and causes damages quickly. That is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Homeowners in Myrtle Beach, SC, ought to inspect water heaters to identify the places where rusting has occurred. If you notice rust around the pressure relief valve or the water inlet, the only available option is water heater replacement.
Also, if the hot water is rusty, consider calling a water heater company near you. Rusty water indicates that the inside of the water heater tank is corroding, and that can lead to a water leak. Rusting can also stem from rusty pipes. It is recommendable to seek the services of a professional plumber to identify the correct source of the rusting and deal with the menace.
Questionable noises
Another loud and obvious sign of an ailing water heater is abnormal and banging sounds. However, not all sounds indicate a problem. A modest tapping and clicking noise can be considered normal. With age, water heaters start producing louder humming, banging, or gurgling noises. These sounds are more pronounced in households that consume large amounts of hot water. Abnormal water heater noises can result from multiple reasons, the major one being sediment build-up.
As the water heater goes about its business of heating and reheating water, sediment begins to form at the bottom of the water tank. The sediment tends to harden over time and bang against the heater, hence the loud rumbling noise. That wears the tank out, leading to problems such as cracks, leaks, and inefficiency. Homeowners should be keen on the sounds emanating from the water heaters and immediately seek help if they notice any worrying sounds. Your plumber might suggest a water heater replacement service if the situation is dire.
Water leaks
The chances of a water heater leak increase as the unit ages. Homeowners should regularly look out for water puddles around the tank. If you see any form of water, it only means that you may have a possible leak situation. However, it is crucial to identify the source of the leak before opting for a water heater replacement since the leaking could result from other plumbing problems, and a replacement would not solve the problem. Water heater leaks can become problematic and dangerous if ignored.
Depending on where the unit is located, a water heater leak could lead to severe property damage. Water heater leaks can occur in many places, including the hot water outlet, pressure relief valve, and cold-water inlet. The primary cause of water leaks is the expansion of metal in the tank due to the many heating cycles. Whatever the case, leaks in the water heater can only be rectified by a repair or a complete water heater replacement service. Consult your local water heater technician to get a proper diagnosis.
Cold or lukewarm water
Most homeowners take hot water for granted until they jump into a shower and get hit by cold water or barely warm water. That can be frustrating, and it may set your mood off the rest of the day. If you experience such a problem, several things could be wrong. One, the pilot light may be extinguished necessitating a repair, or the fuel supply might be exhausted. In most cases, the main cause of that water loss is a misadjusted thermostat or a broken heating element. That can easily be fixed with a call to your local water heater replacement experts to get guidance on the best possible solution.
Another major cause of loss of hot water is excess demand. If your household has more people than before, the water heater tends to overwork. The demand could also be exceeding the limits of the current unit. In this case, you may need a water heater replacement to a size that perfectly meets the demand. Therefore, it is critical to figure out when to get repair services and when it’s time for a water heater replacement.
Contact your leading-edge plumbing company
Suppose you’re a homeowner around Myrtle Beach, SC, and you’ve begun noticing any of the signs mentioned above. What next? If this is you, it’s time to give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach a call. We have well-trained technicians with years of experience handling water heater replacements, inspections, and repairs. We utilize the latest technology on every job, and our plumbers are available 24/7 for all your emergency needs. Give us a call today and let us restore the comfort of your home by ensuring a continuous flow of hot water.