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The Signs You’ll Soon Need A Water Heater Replacement | Myrtle Beach, SC
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t spend too much time worrying about the water heater in your Myrtle Beach, SC home. That’s a good thing, because when you’re able to ignore the water heater, that means that your water heating system is operating the way it should and sending hot water throughout your home.
But even the best water heaters will eventually require water heater replacement someday, and as with all appliances, it’s always better to be proactive than reactive when it comes to getting a new one in place. If you replace your water heater a few weeks too early, that’s a much better outcome than looking at a water heater replacement a few weeks too late. To avoid waiting too long to get a new water heater installed, it’s a good idea to look for the signs that you might need a replacement. Here’s what to watch out for!
Your Water Heater Has Aged Out of Useful Life
Your water heater is designed to work well for several years, but eventually, you will need to consider a new system. Typically, a traditional water heater will last you for about eight to 12 years, while you can go 20 years with a tankless water heater before you need to consider water heater replacement.
Even though this might seem like it’s a recommendation, it’s not something that’s optional. Once the water heater in your home gets past a certain age, it’s going to fail sooner rather than later. The last thing you want to do is find yourself without hot water when you really need it, so make sure that you consult an expert as soon as your water heater starts to reach the end of its lifespan.
You’ve Gotten to Know Your Plumber
Specifically, this applies when you’ve gotten to know your plumber over a series of water heater repairs, because multiple repairs usually means that you’ve got a faulty water heater on your hands. Ideally, your water heater isn’t going to give you many problems during its lifespan in your home. As long as you’re using a reasonable amount of hot water at any one time, you probably won’t have to worry about damaging your water heater.
But if you find yourself out of hot water on a regular basis and you’ve had to call the plumber in for help, it’s time to think about water heater replacement in Myrtle Beach, SC. Modern water heaters are becoming more durable than ever, but there is always a chance that your system might just be too ancient for new technology to be anything but a bandage. Once your water heater starts having more than a few issues, it’s probably time to consider a new one.
Your Water Is Discolored
If you’ve got discolored water, there are several reasons that you could need to call for a plumbing expert. But one of the most common reasons also suggests that you need to consider a water heater replacement, because there’s a good chance you’ve got rust in your water somewhere. That’s especially true if you’ve got more modern pipes in your home, as copper and PVC do not rust and wouldn’t bring sediment into your faucet during the journey through your pipes.
So where would the rust come from? Inside the water heating tank. As your water heater ages, it can’t always hold together completely, and bits of metal from the inside can erode over time. When they do, they create a rust-colored look to your water. The good news is that drinking water with a bit of rust in it is harmless, but it does signal a long-term problem that isn’t going to get better on its own. If you spot red or orange-colored water in your faucet, call for a plumber and ask them whether you need to consider water heater replacement for your home.
You’re Not Getting Enough Hot Water
Your water heater is only meant to hold a certain amount of water and keep it at the ideal temperature to come out hot. If you’re not getting enough water before the temperature drops, it’s probably time to think about water heater replacement.
There’s a good chance there’s a blockage in your tank in this situation, and the quicker you can either clear it away or put it in the past, the easier it will be to keep hot water flowing at your Myrtle Beach, SC home. The moment you start having problems with your hot water, you need to call for help.
You’re Seeing Unexplained Higher Bills for Your Water
Think for a minute: have there been any real changes to your water consumption in the past month or two? Maybe you’ve had one of your kids need to spend more time in the bathroom as they get older, or you’ve added a new pet and need to keep giving them water. If so, a higher water bill makes sense. But if you can’t figure out anything your family might have done to raise your water consumption, there’s a good chance your water heater might be the culprit.
An aging water heater might have sprung a leak, which could lead to drips around the tank and extra water usage without you even knowing about it. Even a small drip can cause real problems for both your water consumption and for your tank. If you can isolate the tank as the problem, you can consider replacement to solve the issue.
Knowing When to Call
Remember, the worst thing you can do is wait too long to consider a water heater replacement. When your system is at the end of its life, the best thing you can do is contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach. We’re proud to provide punctual plumbing service to homeowners throughout coastal South Carolina; contact our team today to get first-rate plumbing assistance for a water heater replacement and more!