Having an available warm or hot water is one of the essentials to have in Westminster homes. Without it, everyday tasks would be unbearable such as doing the dishes, taking showers, and washing the laundry.
According to an expert in plumbing and heating in Oklahoma City, heating and plumbing installations don’t last a lifetime. It is bound to show warning signs that need immediate replacement. Before things get any worse, you need to know certain signs that could tell your need for a water heater replacement.
Old Age
The average lifespan of a water heater is around 8 to 12 years, but it could breakdown any moment before and after this time frame. When it happens, the help of an HVAC service Westminster CO specialist will be your best bet. Therefore, if your water heater is older than a decade, it is better to replace it before it shows symptoms and causes headaches along the way. If you are unsure of the year your water heater was manufactured, look into the serial number sticker on top of the unit. The first two numbers represent the year, but it may vary depending on the manufacturer. You can visit your manufacturer’s website for more information if needed.
Rusty Water
Typically, your water heater system is made up of steel. Although steel is the strongest metal, it still has a weakness, which is rust. Rusty water can also be an indication of possible leaks in the system. If you notice rusty hot water in your household, there are three potential sources: water heater, valve/inlet, or pipes. It can also be more than one source. In any case, rusty water is a serious sanitation problem that requires an immediate solution from an HVAC service Westminster CO company.
Water isn’t hot enough
The loss of heat in your water has three possible culprits: a misadjusted thermostat, a broken heating element, or a tank that isn’t suited for the size of your household. You can tell that the problem lies in a misadjusted thermostat if the water from the faucet fails to reach adequate heat, which is 120 to 140 degrees fahrenheit. On the other hand, a broken heating element could be the source of the problem if cold water runs from your sink and bathtub taps. If there’s an increase in demand for hot water in the household, insufficient tank size could be the reason for insufficient production of hot water. Usually, a 50 to 60 gallon-tank is sufficient for up to three people.
Strange Noise
The sediment inside the water heater can build up at the bottom of the tanks over time. It will eventually harden as it is reheated multiple times. As a result, it will work harder to produce hot water, causing a waste of energy and inefficiency. Because of this situation, you’ll notice rumbling or banging noises from your water heater, a sure sign of you need for the help of a plumbing and heating in Oklahoma City specialist.
Leaks
Before replacing your water heater, make sure that no leaks are coming from the tank’s fittings or connections. You should also check for any leaks in the heater’s temperature and pressure overflow pipes. And if you find any, immediately have your water heater tank replaced by a professional plumber to avoid further damage.