How to Know When You Need a New Water Heater
Your water heater is an important appliance, as it helps you control the temperature of your water when showering, washing your hands, or doing dishes. However, it can be difficult to know when it is time to replace it. Here are some different signs that let you know it is time to upgrade to a new water heater.
The Water Looks Rusty
If you turn on your tap water and it runs clear, but then you turn on the hot water and it turns a rusty colour, you need to call a plumber to replace the water heater. Water that is a reddish-brown only when you turn on the hot water is typically from sediment and rust forming inside the water heater. This is often a sign of the heater being old and starting to corrode, which causes a release of the iron particles. However, if you have rusty water and pipes made of galvanized iron, the pipes themselves are probably corroding. Either way, it is time to call a plumber.
You Are Getting Frequent Repairs
It is not uncommon to occasionally need repairs on your water heater over time, especially as it starts to get a little older. However, if you feel like you are constantly calling a plumber for repairs of leaks, corrosion, temperature issues, and other problems, it is probably a sign that your water heater is on its way out. They often start to break down and cause problems more succinctly as they age, so at a certain point, it is better to just replace it. This will save you money and the hassle of constantly being without hot water due to the frequent repairs.
There Are Signs of a Leak
You might also need to have it replaced if you have a more serious leak. Some leaks are simply from fittings that need to be tightened or replaced, which a plumber can help you with. However, if you have a lot of water around the base of the water heater, it might be from a crack in the tank itself. This is not something you can just get patched up. It requires replacing the water heater. Call a plumber if you notice any type of leak and they will let you know the best course of action.
If you aren't sure how old your water heater is, you can have a plumber like Murphy Plumbing Pty Ltd inspect it. They will inform you approximately when it should be replaced and look to see if any repairs need to be done before that occurs.