Warning Signs Of A Bad Water Heater
Because they are located in places such as the attic or garage, many times you don’t notice the average water heater until something drastically goes wrong. There are usually noticeable warning signs that your hot water heating system is going to cause problems in the future. So, how can you tell that your water heater is almost on the outs?
Rusty Water
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If the tank is corroded, the water will turn a rusty color. But the rusty water could be a sign that your pipes are also rusty. This is especially true if you have galvanized water pipes. The best way to determine the exact cause is to flush your water heater tank with about 3 or 4 buckets of water. If you still have rusty water after flushing out the water tank, then it’s the heater that is the problem.
Sounds
If your water heating system produces loud sounds while it is in use, then this is also a warning sign that it needs to be replaced. These types of noises are the result of sediment and heating elements reacting within the tank.
Sediment Buildup
Sediment affects how your water heater functions, and it will cause further damage when you don’t take care of this problem fairly quickly. Some might suggest flushing out your tank to fix the problem temporarily, but sediment will continue to buildup. This just means more wear and tear on your hot water heating system because it creates more cracks and holes. So, the bottom line is that if you start hearing bumping noises coming from your water heater, it’s time to get a new one as soon as possible.
Leaks
The common culprits of water heater leaks are things such as rust, corrosion, and damage. However, expansion and contraction can also cause leaks. Over time, small cracks turn into huge leaks. This is noticeable because you will see moisture around the water heater. Thus, if you start to see puddles of water around your heater, then this is a warning sign that it is about to breakdown. But don’t replace it just yet. Make sure that these puddles are not caused by other things such as pipes, fittings or pressure/temperature problems.
Temperature Problems
Numerous changes in the water temperature is a typical warning that something is wrong with your hot water heating system. You’ll start to notice that the water is either too hot or too cold. It could also run faster than usual. It is possible that bad heating elements are causing some of these problems, but it could also mean that your hot water heating system is filled with loads of sediment. Sediment problems tend to start happening when a water heater is about 10 years old. If your heater is around this age, the problems are most likely linked to sediment and not bad heating elements.
DIY Water Heater Replacement?
Life can be pretty hectic when there is a broken water heater in your home. This is why you should replace it as soon as there are warning signs of its imminent demise. Even though you might want to replace it on your own in order to save a couple of dollars, please refrain from doing this. Leave this type of venture to a professional plumber for the following reasons:
Safety
There are plenty of things that go into replacing a water heater such as handling a pressure-controlled tank and electrical wiring. A trained plumber knows how to work with these types of hazards without damaging property or injuring himself or others.
Installation
A professional in the plumbing business knows how to work with piping, venting, wiring and soldering projects without causing property damage or bodily injuries.
Codes
A licensed professional is full aware of local codes. He also knows how and where to acquire the proper permits to get the project done.
Warranties
A licensed plumbing professional can provide the proper warranties for a new water heater. He can tell you about how the new heater should perform. He can also provide future maintenance. If you choose to install a new water heater on your own, you won’t benefit from any of these things.
Water Heater Lehighton PA
A water heater can breakdown unexpectedly at the worst time. A lot of times there are simple warning signs that it is about to breakdown, but this does not mean that the average person has the money or expertise to fix this type of problem at a moment’s notice. The best solution is to hire a plumbing professional to take care of your plumbing needs.
R.F. Ohl offers plumbing services throughout all of northeastern Pennsylvania. Our plumbers are certified and have years of experience under their belt. This means that you can count on us when you hire one of our plumbers. They will be able to solve any plumbing issues that you may be experiencing. Our services are affordable, clean, friendly, and fast. We also offer HVAC services, fuel delivery, and much more. For a list of our home services, click here.
We service Ashfield PA 18212, Bowmanstown PA 18030, Jim Thorpe PA 18229, Lehighton PA 18235, and Parryville PA 18244. We also service all of Carbon County, Monroe County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, and Schuylkill County.
Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.