Water Heater Trouble: Is it Time to Repair or Replace?
Hot water heaters are the unsung heroes of many households. While most people rarely think about their water heater, they wouldn’t be able to function without it – getting ready for work, feeding a family, and washing clothes are all extremely difficult to do without hot water. That’s why staying on top of water heater maintenance is crucial for any homeowner.
When a water heater malfunction occurs, however, it can be tricky to address. You don’t want to spend money on unnecessary repairs and replacements if you don’t have to, but you also want to ensure that your water heater is functioning correctly. In order to determine whether or not your water heater needs a few minor repairs or total replacement, follow this guide and don’t hesitate to contact a professional.
Your water heater needs repairs if…
It has a leak in its gaskets, pipes, or pressure valves. All of these leaks can be repaired by a professional and don’t warrant a complete water heater replacement. If you notice any amount of water around your water heater, it may be leaking from one of these sources. However, it can be difficult to discover exactly where a leak is coming from, so be sure to have an expert check your residential water heater to find the source of the leak before proceeding.
Your water is either too hot or not hot enough. First, ensure that the temperature settings on the water heater are correct. Keep in mind that if it’s colder outside, you will need to adjust the dial to a higher water temperature accordingly. If this does not work, you may need a professional to replace the heater’s dip tube or pressure relief valve.
Your hot water smells bad (but your cold water doesn’t). A professional can replace the water heater’s anode rod, which is likely reacting with the water in the tank to create the odd smell. You can also try flushing your water heater before calling a professional to diagnose the problem.
Your water heater needs replaced if…
It is over 10 years old. Sometimes, if a water heater is in a particularly protected place in your home, it can last longer than 10 years. However, this is not usually the case. Check the date on your water heater to find out when it was manufactured, and if it was made close to 10 years ago, contact a professional for a replacement. You don’t want to wait until your water heater finally dies to start the replacement process.
The water heater is unusually noisy. This means that sediment and other substances have built up and hardened at the bottom of your water heater. Not only will this affect the efficiency of your water heater, but it can also lead to leaks. If you notice that your water heater is making strange or unusual noises, it’s probably time for a replacement.
Your water is rusty. If your hot water is rusty, it might mean that your water heater has internal rust in its tank and needs to be replaced. First, ensure that the rust isn’t coming from your pipes, then contact a professional about replacement. A rusty tank will affect the quality of your hot water and will eventually cause leaks in your tank.
You notice a leak in the tank of your hot water heater. If your tank is leaking – not the gaskets, pipes, or pressure valves – then your water heater will need to be replaced. If you notice water around your water heater, contact a professional to determine where the leak is located. Often, it might just be condensation dripping onto the floor. On the off chance that your tank is leaking, however, a professional should be consulted.
Hot water is a necessity that no person or family wants to go without. Be aware of how your own water heater is functioning, and don’t ignore when its behavior points towards eventual failure – it’s always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with such an integral part of your comfort at home.
If you have concerns about your water heater, request an appointment with an IT Landes professional. We serve both residential and commercial communities in Harleysville, Lansdale, Skippack, Telford, and Souderton, Pennsylvania as well as the surrounding areas. Call us at (215) 256 – 4221 for more information about our water heating and general plumbing services.
