A hot water heater is one of the most integral appliances in your home. It’s used daily for cooking, cleaning and bathing. It is important to ensure its proper function, or you may be left with an unwelcomed cold shower.
Is there a way to monitor your water heater’s performance and know when it’s time to be replaced? Of course! We would be happy to run you through it.
The Age of the Unit
The average life span of a standard water heater unit is 8-10 years depending on its maintenance history and the number of users in the household. The quality of water is also a contender when determining the lifespan of your water heater. If it is heating hard water and not maintained this could cause the unit the breakdown before the end of its lifespan.
Lukewarm or Cold Water
At peak performance your water heater should always provide hot water. If suddenly you find it producing lukewarm or cold water, then your heating element may be burning out. A way to check this would be to look at your thermostat. If the temperature read shows no change to its original setting than it could mean you may need a new water heater.
Noise from The Tank
Another issue that could cause a need to replace your hot water heater would be running noise. If you hear a banging or rumbling, this could indicate a build-up of sediment within the heater. The result is a corrosion of the heating element creating a layer of scale which disrupts the function of your heater and stops it from working.
Drain Valve Not Working
During the lifespan of your hot water heater, the heater’s tank will start collecting sediment at the bottom of the tank. If left this sediment will start to build up which could cause damage to the interior of the tank. This sediment could clog the drain valve then a replacement hot water heater will be considered.
Rust and Corrosion
Rust and corrosion within your water tank is very serious. It is unhealthy and can cause further damage to other appliances within your home and your entire plumbing system. As this is serious, any notice of rust in your water should be followed up right away. It is important to note that the source of rust could potentially be caused by galvanised piping, a trusted plumber will be able to check this and confirm for you.
A Leaking Tank
A leaking tank is a serious problem when concerning your water heater. If you notice any water around the appliance or there is a visible leak in the water heater, then this is an obvious sign that you need a replacement. Unfortunately, at this point not much can be done in terms of a repair, you would need to replace the unit.
Increased Demand
It is important to know which size of hot water heater is best for your home, for you and for your family. The number of people using hot water and appliances within the home that rely on hot water are important. They greatly affect your hot water usage which could fluctuate if you have added any more over time. You might consider installing a larger hot water heater for this reason.
Metallic Smell and Taste
Water directly from the tap has its own taste and smell. If you notice a change in this there may be an issue with your hot water heater. A metallic taste and smell are caused by corrosion and should be investigated immediately.
Reduced Efficiency
The efficiency of your hot water heater can be measured not only by judging its function but also by looking at your electricity bill. If you notice your usage has increased suddenly and you have not made any changes within the household this may be a sign.
Frequent Repairs
If you find you are frequently having your hot water system repaired this could mean it has reached the end of its lifespan. If near or over 10 years of service a repair would not be able to fix the problem, most likely your unit will need to be replaced.
We hope this has helped you with any queries about your hot water system. Thank you for your time today, if you need assistance please call Command Plumbing Services on 0421572008.
