Going to take a warm shower when the weather outside is a bit chilly, is one of the most rewarding things we can do during our Buffalo winters. Nothing is worse than hopping in and finding out that you have no hot water. One of the most critical aspects of your Buffalo, New York home’s plumbing is your water heater. Water heaters are used in daily routines for things like showering, doing laundry, and washing the dishes. Due to them being used so often; it is common for water heaters to wear out or breakdown and monitoring them is an important ongoing task. There are signs that you may need a new hot water heater, that you can look out for, so you can hopefully avoid being without hot water even for a short period of time.
Signs That You May Need a New Hot Water Heater
Most of the time, your water heater just works, without incident. So, how do you know when it’s time for a new system? Below we review some of the signs that you may need a new hot water heater.
– Age of Your Current Unit: The average lifespan of a water heater is around 10 years. With the right water heater annual maintenance and upkeep, you can extend the life of your water heater by several years; however, like with all things, your water heater is bound to stop working at some point. If you’re unsure how old your water heater is, check the serial number. This is most likely on a sticker on top of the unit. If you can’t find a date, plug that serial number into the manufacturer’s website for more information. If your water heater is nearing the decade point, it could be time to think about a replacement.
– Rusty Water: When you turn on your hot water, if the clear water you are used to turns to a rusty color, not only is that not ideal, it is a sign that there may be issues with your water heater. Water, plus metal, will eventually equal corrosion. After that point, the water will likely pick up the corrosion, leading to rust. With natural gas heaters, this sediment can cause uneven heating on the tank that eventually causes leaks. With electric heaters, scaling can burn out the lower heating element. And in both, sediment buildup can clog the drain valve. If there is rust in your water, you should call a local plumbing expert right away to help you understand why.
– No Hot Water: Perhaps the most telling sign that you may need a new hot water heater, is if you have no, or limited, hot water. This is usually caused by one of two things: your pilot light is out or the circuit breaker has tripped, or your hot water heater has reached the end of its useful life. Insufficient hot water is yet another sign that you need to invest in a new water heater. Not only do water heaters get worse at heating water as they age, but they also lose capacity, due to that sediment buildup we mentioned earlier.
– Strange Noises: New noises from any of your home appliances are usually never a good thing. The same is true when it comes to your water heater. If your water heater is making cracking and popping sounds, it may be an indication that the interaction between the heating elements and the inside heater has mineral build up on them. This is a sign that you need to get a new hot water heater, as its nearing the end of its operational lifespan.
– Leaks Around the Unit: Another sign that you may need a new hot water heater, is if you notice leaks and puddling around your water heater. Slight fractures develop over time as the metal tank expands and contracts with heat, over and over again. When there is a fracture, you’re at risk of a tank burst and a mess. Slow drips and leaks quickly escalate, causing serious flooding if the entire tank breaks. If you notice water around your unit, call a Buffalo water heater professional right away.
Hot water is essential to your home functioning smoothly and the comfort of your family. If you notice any sign that you may need a new hot water heater, don’t delay. Contact Reimer Home Services. Reimer is Buffalo’s go-to team for all things water heaters.
If your water heater has stopped working, is leaking, or has another issue, please call us right away. Our plumbers are available Day or Night, with no added charge for nights or weekends.
