How Can I Tell If I Need a New Water Heater?
- mrtwisterplumbing.com
- Jan 18, 2018
- 2 min read
Trying to Squeeze the last bit of life out of your faithful water heater?
Here are some key signs that you may be due for a new one!
Sign #1 The Age of Your Water Heater
It is very important to know the age of your water heater! You can find this information by looking at the manufacturer's sticker placed on the upper portion of your water heater. There is a serial number on this sticker, such as E047638921 that can help you decode your water heater's age. The first letter stands for the month the water heater was built, E being the fifth letter of the alphabet indicates this heater was made in May. The next two numbers are the year it was built 04 meaning 2004. Therefore this heater was made in May of 2004.
Often water heaters are recommended to be replaced if they are over 10 years old especially if they are located in an area of your home where they can cause serious water damage if they leak.
Sign #2 Loud Noises and Rumbling
Throughout the years sediment may slowly start to build on the bottom of the tank, and can harden as it is heated and reheated. Once this happens homeowners can often hear loud noises and rumbling coming from their water heater.
This is a tell tale sign to replace your water heater. Once sediment has built up it will cause your water heater to work much less efficiently by requiring more gas or electric to be needed to heat up water. This extra effort from your water heater can cause wear and tear on the metal tank eventually leading to small cracks or leaks.
Sign #3 Rust
Rust build up on the top of your water heater as well as rusty water leaking out may indicate that your water heater is rusting from the inside out.
A good test to ensure whether or not your water heater is rusting on the inside is by safely emptying three to four buckets of hot water from your water heater if by the third bucket the water is still coming out murky this indicates the heater is rusting from the inside and it may be time to replace it.
Sign #4 Water Around the Base of your Water Heater
If there is a built up of moisture around the bottom of your water heater, it is possible there may be small cracks in the heater. As your water heater heats up it expands and if there are any small breaks water will leak from the tank. Once the metal tank has cooled the inner portion of your water heater will stop leaking.
Be sure to check all fittings and pipes connected to your water heater for moisture to be sure it is the tank itself that is leaking.
If you are experiencing any of these signs or need help diagnosing a problem with your water heater remember Mr. Twister Plumbing is always here to help!
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