Replace Your Old Water Heater – Problems Associated With Old Water Heaters
Could your old water heater be showing signs that it needs replacement?
The gas and electric water heater storage tanks have a life span of 8-12 years. Sometimes, the tanks may work for the entire time without any issue. However, you may notice some problems that did not exist.
If your hot water heater is old enough, it is better to replace instead of repairing it.
Are you wondering if it is the right time to replace a water heater? Here is a guide:
There are certain ageing signs that your water heater will show as it the close of its service life nears.
Here are a few classic signs that you need a new hot water heater.
- Foul-smelling water
- The tank may be leaking. Corrosion of the tank walls is a possible explanation
- The tank has water, but the water temperature keeps fluctuating
It is important to note that not each problem mentioned above means getting a new heater. Some of those problems can be fixed. However, if the problems are persistent, it is a sign that the tank is old and a replacement is needed.
When the repair bills start piling up, the best move is to get a new hot water tank than wasting money on repairs.
How old is the water heater?
Knowing the age of the water tank will help you monitor as its service life ends. You can replace it before it starts giving you major problems. For instance, it experiences a major leak in its 9th year of service; the smart financial move is to get a new tank and forget about the repairs.
Is your water colour rusty?
Is your faucet or shower releasing water with a rusty color? Rusty water is a classic sign that the tank is old, and probably rusting on the inside. The first step is draining the tank. If the water is rusty by the third bucket, chances are the heater has an issue. If the water appears clear, the heater may be functional, but the piping could be rusty.
Heater produces a loud and rumbling noise
Is your tank producing strange and rumbling noises? Well, that is an indication of sediment build-up in the tank and old age. The constant heating and reheating of the systems cause the sediments to harden at the bottom of the tank. When the tank’s heating elements come into contact with the sediments, it produces the rumbling sounds.
The sediments at the bottom of the tank reduce the effectiveness of the water heater. Draining the sediments should be a regular maintenance activity. However, when it is difficult or impossible to drain the sediments regularly, you should consider getting a new tank.
It is important to note that quality of water in a location matters a great deal. Areas with poor water quality increase the sediment buildup in the tank thereby shortening the tank’s life span.
Rust and corrosion
The natural wear and tear process will affect the tank especially the steel ones. The walls of such tanks corrode and rust over time. Sadly, the process of rusting is irreversible. There is no way to fix such a situation. After some time, rusting results in tank leakages. Replace your old tank before leaks and other major malfunctions set in.
The consequences of overlooking regular maintenance
How can you prolong the life of your hot water tank? Regular maintenance is one of the fool-proof options. Maintenance helps homeowners identify any potential problems and fix them. However, some people move into houses and are not aware if their devices have received the required maintenance.
How heavy is the tank’s usage?
Do you live in a busy household with heavy water usage? If yes, your heater will experience more wear and tear compared to households with 1-2 people. Even when considering the age of the tank, think about the usage in the household.
Your old heater may be old but functional. It is important to find someone to do an inspection and regular maintenance to ensure everything is running well. You do not want to experience sudden problems when least expected.
