Having hot water available whenever you want it is a wonderful perk of modern life. After a long day at the office, there’s nothing better than a hot shower to wash away the dirt and grime and feel fresh again. If your water heater is malfunctioning, it can severely impact your daily life. Here are six indications that you should replace your water heater.
1. Water Leaks
Your water heater has an insulated steel tank hidden under its outer casing. The presence of water pooling near the base suggests a leak. If this happens, you should replace your water heater immediately to prevent water damage to your property. If you want to rest easy knowing your appliance is in good working order, you should hire a professional to inspect it.
2. Rusty Sink Water
Everyone is familiar with the rust stains on the sinks of older homes. Rusty water heater tanks are a common source of these stains. Water heater leaks almost always lead to rust and corrosion. The easiest way to preserve your home’s water quality and prevent costly leaks is to replace an old, rusty water heater.
3. Strange-Tasting Water
If the water from your faucet has a metallic odor and flavor, corrosion may have set in on your metal water heater tank. Older water heaters are more prone to this problem. If you detect this, your home’s water heater might be contaminated by chemicals or sediment in the water supply.
4. Water That Doesn’t Heat Up
You can enjoy a steaming hot shower one evening, but the following morning, the water won’t heat up. If this sounds familiar, your water heater is the source of your problem and it’s likely time for a replacement.
5. An Aging Water Heater
Many manufacturers claim a lifespan of 10 to 15 years for the standard household water heater. If your unit is approaching or has surpassed the 10-year mark, it’s time to start considering a replacement. Aging water heaters are prone to needing repairs and causing breakdowns at the most inconvenient time.
6. Frequent Repairs
It’s high time you consider getting a new water heater if yours keeps needing repairs. Frequent repairs are a telltale sign that a complete breakdown is on the way. In some cases, repairing your system is more cost-effective than replacing it. If you need repairs more than once a year or have an older unit needing an expensive fix, however, replacement is usually the better choice.
Final Thoughts
Water heaters are one of the most expensive components of your home’s plumbing system. The hot water in your shower after a long day at work, the clean dishes from your dishwasher, and the clean clothes from your washing machine are all the results of a well-functioning water heater. If you need reliable water heater services in Yuma, AZ or the surrounding area, contact us at PHD Plumbing to schedule an appointment.