If your water heater is showing signs off impending death, don't ignore them. The last thing you want is to be mid-shower and find yourself shivering under a stream of cold water. So, just what are the signs your water heater is ready to give up the ghost?
Signs It's Time to Replace
Leaks. It's pretty obvious when you see puddles of water under your water heater that something bad is going on. If you can't see where the leak is coming from, chances are that the interior of the tank has deteriorated to the point where the equipment needs to be replaced. Water heaters generally last from six to 10 years, but may last longer if they're regularly drained, flushed and cleared of sediment.
Water isn't as hot as it should be. If you're setting the thermostat higher and your water is still not hot enough or doesn't last long, corrosion may have destroyed the dip tube or coated electric elements. The gas valve might also be overworked.
Look for smaller leaks. Check fittings and connections. If you find sludge, water or corrosion, you may need a replacement.
Pieces of plastic in aerators of sink faucets. This is a sign the dip tube in your water heater has deteriorated and broken apart. This tube forces cold water down to the burners, and when it breaks up, it can be a sign of other problems as well.
If you have a water heater that's just a few years old, it may be worthwhile to track down what's broken and repair everything. Some of the fixes you might encounter:
Flickering pilot light
Tripping circuit breaker
Broken thermostat
Sticking valve
Failing burner or heating element
If you do have to replace your water heater, the bright side is that modern models are much more efficient even than they were 10 years ago and you will save money on your utility bills.
To learn more about when you need a water heater replacement, contact the pros at Air Assurance in Broken Arrow.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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