Is It Time for Water Heater Replacement?
A water heater is an appliance like any other, meaning that we depend on them every single day for our quality of life. But it also means that they will age and eventually breakdown. The appliance that you’ve cherished for nearly a decade will eventually need to be replaced. When that time does come, you’ll need an expert of water heater installation to handle the task for you.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s find out if your water heater actually needs to be replaced just yet. Some of the signs include:
Old Age
If your water heater isn’t functioning quite like it’s supposed to, the first thing to consider is the age of the unit. Malfunctioning water heaters younger than eight years old should always be given a routine maintenance or repair check. There’s most likely a simple repair problem preventing it from giving you the best performance.
If the water heater is older, however, then you should hold off on scheduling that repair call. Sometimes, an aging water heater is better off being replaced than receiving more maintenance.
Signs of Corrosion
Storage tank water heaters hold water at all times, all day long, every single day. Ironically, constant exposure to water is the biggest enemy to a water heater tank!
Storage tank water heaters have several defenses against corrosion, but when those defenses breakdown and are not repaired in time, it can lead to rust in the water. Worst of all, it can create a leak that ruins your tank!
If these issues are not corrected in time, it could lead to early replacement:
- Cracked glass liner: The inside of the tank is lined with a layer of glass. If hard water has a chance to create calcium deposits on the glass, it can crack and allow corrosion to occur on the tank itself.
- Deteriorated anode rod: The anode rod is the primary defense mechanism against corrosion. Due to its chemical composition, it attracts all corrosive elements toward it and away from the tank. The anode rod will only last about five years before it needs to be replaced.
- Sediment buildup: Sediment deposits from hard water will gradually collect in the tank, reducing efficiency and creating pockets of heat that can damage the tank. Simply flushing the tank annually can prevent this becoming an issue.
Less and Less Hot Water
If it seems like your hot water isn’t providing as much hot water as it used to, don’t chalk it up to your imagination. This is a very real symptom that your water heater needs repairs or may need to be replaced. Make sure to first check with a plumber in Santa Fe to ensure that it’s not just a simple repair issue.
Leaks From the Tank
Now, this is a problem that you can’t ignore. When the water heater develops a leak, there’s nothing that can be done except to replace it. Some of the reasons that a water heater might leak include those listed as causes of corrosion. As long as your water heater is regularly maintained, however, leaks shouldn’t be a problem.
Contact Santa Fe Express Plumbing & Drain today if your water heater needs to be replaced. Why Wait for Service When You Can Get It Express?