You probably don’t spend much time thinking about your hot water heater, and that is a good thing. As long as your unit is producing hot water there isn’t really much you need to do. However, if you have been experiencing issues with your hot water, it may be time to start thinking about how you can fix it.
Dealing with having no hot water, experiencing leaks, or hearing weird noises coming from your hot water tank is never fun. Especially because having a working hot water heater is essential to completing everyday tasks, such as taking a shower or doing the dishes. If you do not have a warranty, buying a new and efficient hot water heater will help you to save water and energy. Additionally, purchasing a new hot water heater will prevent you from having to deal with an expensive and annoying breakdown in the future.
There are certain telltale signs that indicate it’s time to replace your hot water heater. In this blog, we will discuss the 5 signs that you need a new hot water heater in Pompano Beach and how a new unit would improve your daily life.
1. Having an Old Unit
If you have been experiencing some issues with your hot water heater, it may simply be an old unit. To check the age of your hot water heater, look for its serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker. Typically, the first two numbers will represent the year, however, these stickers may vary. You can also check your manufacturer’s website for more information on the age of your hot water heater. If you find that your unit is more than 10 years old, it’s time for a replacement.
2. Noticing Rusty Water Coming From Your Faucet
If your hot water is coming out rusty, your hot water heater might be rusting on the inside. When this happens, it’s common for the heater to begin leaking as well. To see if your hot water is rusty, fill three or four five-gallon buckets with hot and cold water in separate buckets. If only the hot water is rusty, it is likely that you need a new hot water heater.
To prevent rust, you can add a magnesium, aluminum, or zinc anode rod to your water heater. For extra protection, you should add a large anode rod or two regular-sized rods. If you use two rods, always make sure they are of the same metal. Otherwise, the rods could react chemically with one another and cause more wear. To examine the inside of your unit, begin by attaching a hose to your water heater’s drainage bib. Then, turn it off and drain it. If the water looks dirty, muddy, or has a metallic taste, you should purchase a new hot water heater in Pompano Beach as soon as possible.
When shopping around for a new unit, you should consider a natural gas hot water heater. This form of water heater is more efficient than the electric models and costs nearly the same! However, prices fluctuate when the demand is high, making electricity not as economical as gas. Additionally, natural gas is able to heat water faster than electricity, making a natural gas hot water heater the best choice all around.
3. You Aren’t Getting Enough Hot Water
If you find that your shower keeps getting cold before you are done, it’s time for a new hot water heater. The most common sign that your hot water heater is going to fail is not getting enough hot water. This happens as sediment builds up over time, separating water from the heat source and taking up space.
4. You Are Hearing Rumbling Noises
As previously stated, once a water heater has gotten older, sediment builds up in the bottom of the tank. As the sediment is heated and reheated, it begins to harden. This causes wasted energy and overuse of your water heater’s capacity. This may cause banging or rumbling noises to come from your water heater as well as a shortage of hot water.
Since hot water becomes sparse, the unit will be spending more time trying to heat water. As a result, you may experience cracks and holes in the unit, leading to leaks. Therefore, if you notice a rumbling or banging sound in your hot water heater, you should check for leaks and consider purchasing a new hot water heater in Pompano Beach.
5. You Are Experiencing Leaks
As metal heats up, it expands. If there are any slight fractures in the tank, water will begin to leak. Unfortunately, a hot water tank leak could cause significant damage to your basement or utility closet. However, hot water tanks stop leaking as the unit begins to cool down.
Before replacing your hot water heater, make sure there are not any leaks coming from the fittings or connections to the tank. Additionally, you should check your tank’s temperature and pressure overflow pipe for leaks. If you do find a leak, make sure to have a professional come out and replace your hot water tank immediately.
Have a New Hot Water Heater Installed in Pompano Beach!
If you have been experiencing issues with an old, leaky, or rusty hot water heater, Sam Jolley’s Plumbing is here to help. As an experienced plumbing company, we can provide you with quick and efficient plumbing services in Pompano Beach. Contact us today for help with installing a new hot water heater.
