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Although the water heater in your Deerfield Beach, FL home is technically an appliance, it is an essential component in your plumbing system. Like every appliance in your home, your water heater has a maximum lifespan, and it is between 8 to 10 years. When your water heater reaches the end of its lifespan, you will need to replace it.
Fortunately, there are signs to let you know that it’s time for a water heater replacement. If your water heater begins experiencing any of the following issues, it is best to call a plumber immediately. Trying to use your water heater after it reaches its maximum lifespan can result in further problems; therefore, it is best to make the call immediately.
#1 No Hot Water
A lack of hot water can be a sign that it is time for a water heater replacement. Before you call a plumber to confirm your suspicions, you should check a few things first. A few issues can cause a lack of hot water that has nothing to do with the water heater.
If you have a propane or oil-fueled water heater, make sure there is fuel in the tank. If your water heater uses natural gas, make sure you paid the bill, and there isn’t a widespread outage. Finally, if you have an electric unit, make for certain that power is going to the water heater and a circuit hasn’t tripped.
If everything checks out on your end, it is time to call a plumber. A plumber can inspect the water heater to determine if the issue can be repaired, like a faulty heating element, or if the unit has reached the end of its lifespan and can no longer do its job. This would require a water heater replacement.
#2 The Water Isn’t Getting Hot Enough
If you allow the hot water to run and it doesn’t get hotter than lukewarm, the water heater in your home is likely to blame. First, check the temperature setting on the thermostat. If it is below 120 degrees, increasing the temperature on the thermostat should solve the problem. If the thermostat is set correctly, you should call a plumber.
Your water may not be getting hot enough due to an issue that can be repaired, such as a faulty thermostat or a faulty heating element. However, the problem could be that the water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan and is no longer functioning efficiently, making it impossible for the unit to keep the water in the tank heated. If this is the case, a new water heater will be necessary.
It is best to call a plumber as soon as the problem starts. If you need a new water heater, it is best to replace it before further issues occur.
#3 You Frequently Run Out of Hot Water
If you run out of hot water frequently, it is likely time for a water heater replacement. The reason you need to have the unit replaced may not be due to a mechanical issue. If someone new recently moved into 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 meet your family’s hot water demand. In this case, a water heater replacement with a larger tank will be necessary.
If your family’s hot water demand hasn’t changed, there are likely large pieces of sediment in the water tank, reducing the amount of space for water storage. Pieces of sediment this large often cannot be flushed; therefore, a water heater replacement will be necessary.
#4 Discolored Hot Water
You expect the water coming from the hot water taps in your home to come out clear. If the water has a yellow or brownish tint, it may be time for a water heater replacement.
When sediment builds up in the water tank, the heat can cause it to break apart, contaminating the water. If the plumber cannot flush the sediment from the tank, a water heater replacement will be necessary.
Your hot water can also be contaminated when the inside of the tank starts to break down. The integrity of the water heater can begin to fail when the unit has reached the end of its lifespan, and tiny pieces of metal, sediment, and mineral deposits will contaminate the water. If this is causing your problem, a water heater replacement will be the only way for clean hot water to come from the taps.
#5 Poor Hot Water Pressure
Poor hot water pressure is an inconvenient issue because simple household tasks will take longer than necessary. Also, your hot water-based appliances rely on adequate water pressure to function correctly.
A lack of hot water pressure often occurs when sludge from the bottom of the tank clogs the water lines. A plumber can try to clear the lines to improve the water pressure; however, if they cannot flush the sediment and sludge from the water tank, replacing the water heater will be your only option. If the sludge and sediment cannot be flushed, it won’t be long before the waterline clogs again, causing another issue with the water pressure.
#6 Banging Sounds
Banging sounds coming from the water heater in your Deerfield Beach, FL home often occur when large sediment pieces build up in the tank and bang against the sides.
If the sediment is too large for a plumber to flush, you will need to replace the water heater. Ignoring the problem is easy because you still have hot water; however, the sediment can crack the tank, causing 50+ gallons of water to flood your home.
#7 Leaks
A leak in your water heater indicates a serious issue requiring you to replace your water heater right away. Cracks in the water tank cannot be repaired; therefore, the only way to prevent a major flood is to replace the unit.
Why Choose Mainline Plumbing?
If you suspect it is time to replace your existing water heater, call MainLine Plumbing. We are a full-service plumbing company serving customers in the area for nearly a decade. We offer a variety of services, including:
- Water leak detection
- Drain cleaning
- Repiping services
- Water heater repair, maintenance, and installation
- Gas piping services
- Emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Our plumbers are professionally trained, highly skilled, and can tackle the most challenging jobs.
To schedule an appointment to have your existing water heater replaced or any other plumbing service, give us at MainLine Plumbing a call today.