Common Signs That a New Water Heater Is Necessary
With the extra costs of the holidays in the rearview mirror, homeowners can look to the new year with renewed financial vigor, ready to improve parts of their homes that have become neglected. When considering what household appliances to invest in to maximize their home’s performance, homeowners should consider buying and installing a new water heater. Water heaters can account for significant portions of energy bills inside the house, and a broken-down water heater can be expensive to repair. By purchasing a new water heater, homeowners can lower energy bills and keep high repair costs at bay, all while enjoying the luxury of hot water.
When considering a new water heater, homeowners should make educated decisions. Some of the main things to take into consideration are discussed below.
Water Heater Is Old
The age of the water heater is the biggest indicator that it is headed for a major breakdown. But how can homeowners determine the age and condition of their water heater? Here is a list of some of the things to look for when trying to figure out the age and condition of a water heater:
- Check the nameplate for dates or serial numbers
- If the tank is older than 10 years
- Warranties have expired
- Utility bills have slowly crept up
- The water heater can no longer keep up with demand
- Numerous recent repairs
If homeowners find that any of these conditions have occurred, it may be in their best interest to consider a new water heater installation.
Discolored Water
Discolored water is a telltale sign that a water heater is compromised. Water heaters are equipped with special liners and tubes that prevent the steel tank from rusting. When the hot water in a house is rust-colored or cloudy, it means the water heater tank’s protective measures are compromised, and the tank will soon start to leak. To prevent discolored water from coming from the water heater:
- Replace the Tank: Once the lining is compromised, there is nothing that can be done. Homeowners should replace the tank before it fails and causes extra, preventable damage.
- Install a Water Softener: Scale can build up inside of a tank because of the high mineral content in the water. Water softeners can remove the extra minerals and prevent the scale from speeding up corrosion.
- Seek Professional Help: A licensed plumber can help homeowners discover the source of discolored water, whether it is from the water heater or the piping.
Leaking Around Tank and Fittings
No leak in a water heater is a good thing, but sometimes leaks around fittings can be repaired. Consulting a plumber can help determine if the leak can be fixed. If the leak is coming from the tank itself, then there isn’t much that can be done. The tank will need to be replaced. Usually, this occurs because the water heater has already outlived its life expectancy and was probably due for replacement anyway. A new water heater will lower utility bills and restore the heating power that was lost in the aging water heater.
About Towers Plumbing
Towers Plumbing offers exceptional service to the people of Salt Lake City. 24-hour emergency service gives their customers the peace of mind that they will be taken care of no matter the time of day. Contact them today for expert water heater installation service.
