Just like most appliances in a household, there comes a time when you have to replace the heating system for your water. But when can you know if this is the right time?
Most Americans use over 65 to 70 gallons of hot water daily. That’s good enough to show you how hard a water heater works. No wonder a standard water heater only lasts 8 to 10 years.
Suppose you are unsure if it’s time to replace your heater; stick with us. We will take you on a journey to make you realize if you need to change the water heater. We will explore five of the most dominant reasons why water heaters need to be changed.
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They are some leaks around your water tank
As your water heater ages, it could start to leak. If you find some water around the tank on the floor, there is definitely a leak. Depending on the area where the water leaks, this could cause some damage to the heater.
Here’s the reason your water heater could leak. The metal expands and contracts when the water heats up and cools down in your water tank. The crack could worsen over time to create a gap, which is the worst-case scenario. You should look at it as soon as you find it.
Water leaks in your heating system can also be found in the temperature or pressure floor pipe and around fittings connected to your tank. Commonly this type of leak needs to be looked at and sorted by a professional.
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Your heater has aged.
Even the best heaters can find problems. Most heaters typically have a life span of 8 to 10 years, and getting maintenance yearly prolongs its lifespan. Experts recommend that you replace it after ten years. The life span of gas heaters is shorter, and they need to be replaced within six to 8 years.
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The water has traces of rust.
Another common thing that old heaters have is producing discolored water. Although this doesn’t always mean that the heater needs to be replaced, there are many other reasons why this could be happening.
Rust builds and could easily leak into the water supply leading to discolored water coming out of your faucets. You can always check if the problem is the heater. When you run the cold water, and the water comes out rusted, it means the problem is within the pipes, but if the cold water comes out clean, it could be time for a water heater repair.
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Your water heater is making a lot of noise.
As a water heater gets older, it starts to make a sound. You could hear a crackling sound in the pipes, especially when it’s heating the water. Commonly this is caused by the sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank.
The sediment build-up could cause your heater to wear out because the heater will need to use more energy to make the water hot. You could always hire a qualified technician to flush out your tank yearly to avoid such a problem.
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The water heater is not heating properly
if you notice that the water isn’t hot enough or you seemingly run out of hot water, it could be time to replace your heater. It is always a good idea to find a trained technician to come and have a look at the problem. there are a few more reasons why a water heater may not heat water properly, and these are the common ones
- The heating element could be broken and needs to be replaced or repaired
- Your thermostat hasn’t been adjusted properly
- Too many people use the tank
Conclusion
It’s always advisable that you find technicians or professionals to come and look at the issue regarding your water heating system. Don’t try to fix it yourself because it could lead to more damage. Always report or take care of any problems you notice with the heating to avoid further damage.
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