Whether you own a home or run a business, having hot water is important. But what happens when your water heater stops supplying hot water?
Every appliance will wear out eventually and your hot water heater is no exception. In this blog post, we’ll look at signs your water heater may be failing and offer tips when choosing a new water heater.
Signs of Water Heater Failure
Recognizing the signs your water heater is failing will allow you to replace it before you wake up one-day climbing into a cold shower or standing ankle-deep in water. Below are some common signs your water heater may need replacing.
- Insufficient Hot Water: whether you only get warm water and not hot, or have just cold water
- Discolored or Foul-Smelling Water: water that is rusty-colored, cloudy, or smelly often means there is a build-up of mineral sediment at the bottom of the tank
- Corrosion: if you notice your pipe fittings are corroded this typically means water is leaking through
- Water leaks: water heaters can leak slowly over time or very abruptly, this is a surefire sign your unit needs replacing
- Unusual Sounds: popping and banging sounds or often indicators mineral sediment has built-up
- Old Age: traditional tank-type water heaters typically have lifespans of about 8 to 12 years while on-demand tankless water heaters last about 20 years
If your water heater is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s probably time you contact your local plumber and have your water heater replaced.
Selecting a Water Heater
Selecting the right water heater for your home or business is important, but with so many options out there, how are you supposed to choose? Below are some factors you’ll want to consider while shopping around for a new hot water heater.
- Fuel source: what source of energy does your home use natural gas or electricity?
- Size: how much space is available for your new water heater?
- Volume: tank-type water heaters are characterized by how many gallons of water they can hold. For example, for a family of 3 or 4, a 50-60-gallon tank would suffice.
- Energy-efficiency: you may want to look for Energy Star Certified water heaters
If your water heater is reaching the end of its lifespan, you’ll want to consider replacing it with a new, energy-efficient model. From gas water heaters to tankless on-demand water heaters, there are many types of water heaters out on the market. If you need help determining which water heater will best fit your needs and your budget, consider contacting your local plumber like D&F Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. We’ll help you find the perfect water heater and professionally install it!
