Whether it’s a relaxing hot shower, hot water to do dishes, or hot water from the tap to wash dirty hands, a reliable water heater is a necessity for any home or business. The average water heater can last up to 12 years, but that can vary. One of the best ways to determine its exact age is by doing a search for its serial number online. This will let you know the year and month it was manufactured/installed. If you discover that it is almost 10 years old, it’s wise to think about a replacement soon.
Your water heater may also start showing signs of its age or that it’s time for replacement. So, here are some things to keep an eye on.
Leaks.
Have you noticed water puddles or pooling around the base of the water heater? This isn’t a good sign. Leaks could come from metal expansion in the tank, which can cause fractures. This means small amounts of water will start leaking through those gaps and if it’s ignored, the floor and other parts of your home could sustain damage. If you notice warped wood flooring, wet carpet, or other areas of moisture on the ground near the water heater, call the professionals at Specialty Heating and Cooling quickly. If it’s not addressed, you could have water build up and even mold that could develop.
Lukewarm or cold water.
When you turn on the hot water faucet, does the water only come out lukewarm? Perhaps it’s completely cold, or it takes a long time to heat up. This could be an indicator that the water heater is slowing down. Or this could also be because of a broken heating element or an issue with the thermostat. So, don’t ignore these signs.
Rust.
If the water heater shows rust around the exterior – either around the water inlet or on the pressure relief valve – it could be a sign that the water heater is at the end of its lifespan.
Unusual sounds or odors.
Rusty or discolored water is an indicator that there is something wrong with the water heater. The same goes with strange noises – this could signal an internal problem that needs replacement or repair.
Losing hot water is a huge inconvenience and it’s not something you’ll want to risk heading into the cooler months of autumn. So, avoid an emergency replacement situation by calling our licensed professionals at Specialty Heating and Cooling! We’ll help get your old tank removed and get a new, energy efficient one installed quickly with all the controls running properly. So, contact us today for your free product and installation quote today. We look forward to assisting you!
