In a perfect world, every appliance in your Deerfield Beach, FL home. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world, and the time will come that your appliances fail and need to be replaced, and your water heater is a perfect example.
Your water heater is an essential part of your plumbing system. It heats the cold water that fills the tank and stores the hot water, so it is there when you need it. Although the water heater is part of the plumbing system, it is also an appliance that will eventually need to be replaced.
Unless you are a professionally trained plumber, you may not be sure if water heater problems can be repaired or if a water heater replacement is the best option; therefore, you should call a licensed plumber.
The problems below indicate that it may be time for a new water heater.
#1 You Have No Hot Water
A lack of hot water coming from the taps in your home is a serious issue because you need hot water to perform daily household tasks, such as showering, cleaning, and cooking. In addition, your hot water-based appliances rely on hot water to function correctly. If you have no hot water, you should call a plumber to find out if the unit can be repaired or if a water heater replacement is the better option. Before you make the call, you should check a few things to ensure the problem is with the water heater.
- Oil-fueled units: Make sure the pilot is lit and there is oil in the tank.
- Propane units: Make sure the pilot is lit and there is propane in the tank.
- Natural gas units: Check your records to ensure your gas bills have been paid, and your service hasn’t been terminated. In addition, check with a neighbor or the gas company to rule out a widespread power outage. Finally, make sure the pilot is lit.
- Electric units: Make sure there is power going to the water heater and the circuit hasn’t tripped.
If everything checks out, it’s time to call a plumber. This issue can occur if the heating element fails. If it cannot be fixed, a new water heater may be necessary.
#2 You Frequently Run Out of Hot Water
If you are last in line for the shower and the washing machine or dishwasher is running, you may run out of hot water in the middle of a shower. However, if you run out of hot water frequently, a water heater replacement may be necessary.
When large pieces of sediment build up inside the water tank, there will be less space for water storage, causing you to run out of hot water quickly. A plumber can try to flush the sediment; however, you will need to replace the water heater if they can’t.
If someone new is living in your Deerfield Beach, FL home, or you recently installed your first dishwasher or washing machine, your existing water heater may not be large enough to handle your family’s hot water demand. If this is the case, you will need to replace your water heater with a unit with a larger water tank.
#3 Strange Sounds
The water heater in your home should be whisper quiet when it runs. If you hear a banging sound coming from the unit, you should call a plumber. The banging sound could be due to sediment buildup. When large pieces of sediment form, they can bang against the inside of the tank. A popping sound also indicates large amounts of sediment in the tank. When water gets trapped beneath the sediment, it will boil, causing the popping sound.
A plumber can try to flush the sediment; however, if they can’t, a water heater replacement will be necessary. Allowing the problem to persist can cause the sediment to crack the water tank, causing 50+ gallons of water to flood your home.
#4 Poor Hot Water Pressure
Adequate water pressure is essential for many daily tasks, and poor water pressure can make simple tasks like washing the dishes and washing your hair take longer than necessary. Also, your hot water-based appliances need adequate water to function correctly.
If just the hot water pressure is poor, the problem lies with your water heater. When sediment builds up in the tank, it can clog the waterline, reducing the water pressure.
A plumber can unclog the waterline; however, if they can’t flush the sediment from the tank, a water heater replacement will be necessary. If the sediment remains in the tank, it won’t be long before it clogs the waterline again, and you will need to schedule an appointment for plumbing service.
#5 Contaminated Hot Water
The water coming from the taps in your home should be clean and clear. If the hot water has a brown tint, it is contaminated, and you should call an emergency plumber.
When sediment builds up in the tank and breaks apart, it can contaminate the water, making it unsafe for use. If the sediment cannot be flushed, a water heater replacement is the best option.
If the unit is over ten years old, the inside of the tank could be breaking down, and tiny pieces of metal shards and sediment will contaminate the water. This issue cannot be fixed; therefore, a water heater replacement is the only option.
#6 Water Pooling Around the Unit
The area around the water heater in your Deerfield Beach, FL home should be dry. If water is pooling around the unit, there is likely a crack in the water tank that could flood your home with 50+ gallons of water. Leaks cannot be fixed; therefore, a water heater replacement is the only option.
#7 The Unit Is Over 10 Years Old
The average lifespan of a water heater is between 8 and 12 years. If your unit is over ten years old, it won’t function as efficiently as it should. It’s time to start saving for a water heater replacement. It is better to replace the water heater before it fails completely and you have no hot water at all.
Why Choose MainLine Plumbing?
If you think it is time to replace your water heater, schedule an appointment with MainLine Plumbing. We have been serving customers in the area for nearly a decade and can tackle the most challenging jobs in the industry.
Our plumbers are professionally trained, licensed, insured, and qualified to handle all plumbing issues. If you have a plumbing issue that can’t wait, we provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To schedule an appointment for a water heater replacement or any other plumbing service, give us a call today.