Water heater replacement can be costly, and for that reason, some people put it off much longer than they should. Not replacing your water heater can be potentially dangerous and can end up costing more in the long run. Broken water heaters are a leading cause of flooding and damage to your home, so it is important to know when the time has come to replace your equipment. Read on for some of the signs to be on the lookout for.
You Notice a Leak
If you can see that your tank is leaking, you should attempt to determine where it is leaking from. Sometimes a leak is repairable, but if you can’t find the source, it is likely time to consider a water heater replacement. If your tank is older than six years or so, you may have a leak in a joint, a seam or in a steel thread, and these components cannot be repaired.
Minimal Pressure for Hot Water
Modern water heaters have a check valve to prevent hot water from sliding into the cold waterline and wasting energy. Unfortunately, this can cause problems that are related specifically to the check valve. Most often, the check valve gets stuck. Sometimes the check valve can be repaired, but this can also be a sign that lack of maintenance has caused the tank itself to deteriorate. If the tank has completely deteriorated, it must be replaced.
Water Will Not Drain
Hot water tanks require regular maintenance, and part of that should involve draining the tank completely at least once a year. This will help remove the sediment that settles at the bottom of the tank and builds up on the inside. Unfortunately, most people don’t do this until it is too late. If you have not been draining your tank regularly and you find that the water will no longer drain out, your tank is likely deteriorated so much that it will need to be replaced.
Water Does Not Get Hot
Does it seem like the water is not getting as hot as it once used to get, or that you run out more quickly? It may not be your imagination. When tanks are not maintained properly, corrosion builds up on the internal components. This causes electrical elements and the dip tube to become coated and the gas valve gets overworked. As a result, the unit will not heat properly. There is not a fix for this, and replacement is your only option.
Call a Professional
It can be difficult to determine if water heater replacement is your best option. Making the wrong decision can result in more problems, like the bottom of your tank dropping out. The inevitable result is flooding and damage to other areas of your home. This will cost more money in the long run and even encourage toxic mold growth. If you have any doubts, consult a professional plumber to help you make the right decision. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your water heater replacement.
