Water heaters are among the most vital household appliances. That’s why it is important to take the time to evaluate your options when considering a repair or replacement.
A leaking water heater is always a sign it’s time for Water Heater Replacement Denver. But there are other less obvious signs it’s time to replace a water heater.
Water heaters are one of the largest energy consumers in most homes. Choosing a new, more efficient model can dramatically reduce your home’s energy costs. In some cases, the savings can make up for the cost of a replacement unit.
If you notice that your electric bills are higher than they should be, it may be time to replace the water heater. This is a sign that the unit is losing efficiency, which leads to it working harder and longer just to get the same results as it did before. Over time, this can lead to overheating and damage.
Another sign that it’s time to replace your water heater is if you notice rusty water or visible corrosion on the unit. This can compromise the integrity of the tank and lead to leaks, which could cause additional damage to your home. A professional can inspect the unit and advise if it is worth repairing or replacing.
Your water heater may also be causing other problems, such as cloudy or sandy water. These problems are usually due to the build-up of sediment inside the water heater tank. In many cases, this can be fixed by draining the tank and removing the sediment, but in most instances it will require a full replacement.
You also need to consider whether or not the size of your current water heater is appropriate for your household. If you have a large family, you may need to install a larger water heater that can accommodate the needs of everyone.
The location of your water heater is also a factor that can impact installation costs. Water heaters that are located in easily accessible areas will usually cost less to replace than units in cramped or out-of-the-way spaces, such as attics.
Finally, you should think about the type of fuel your new water heater will use. You can find models that are powered by electricity, natural gas, and even solar energy. Make sure the chosen fuel type is available in your area and that it will be compatible with your existing piping system.
Water heaters deal with constant demands every day to provide hot water for showers, dishwashers, washing machines and more. The appliance also has to deal with an influx of particles and minerals found in water that can shorten the water heater lifespan. As time passes, sediment can build up at the bottom of a tank and separate fresh water from heating elements, which means your water heater has to work harder to fulfill your household’s needs, increasing your energy costs. In these cases, it is best to replace the unit before your current one reaches its end of life and leaks.
The average water heater has a lifespan of between eight and ten years. In many instances, however, the need to purchase a new water heater may come earlier than that timeline suggests. This is particularly true if you live in an area with hard water that tends to cause more mineral deposits, which decreases the lifespan of your appliance.
There are several signs that it is time to begin shopping for a replacement water heater. A puddle of water pooling underneath the appliance is one clear warning sign, as is discolored or red water from the hot water taps. This can be caused by rust or other metal-related issues and indicates that the appliance is nearing the end of its useful life.
Another warning sign is when your hot water runs out suddenly and is only warm at best. This can be a result of your water heater reaching its end of life and is typically followed by strange noises like popping or cracking sounds that occur as the sediment at the bottom of the unit hardens.
Depending on the make and model of your water heater, you can expect it to last between 8-10 years. You can increase this lifespan by draining the unit every year and performing annual maintenance, such as testing the pressure relief valve and anode rod, replacing the gas line cap, and re-insulating the water heater. If your water heater is connected to a gas line, it’s important to have an experienced plumber inspect the lines and repair any rust or corrosion, which can create safety hazards.
Your water heater is responsible for heating up your household’s water so that it can be used in your home’s showers, sinks, dishwashers, and laundry appliances. So, when your water heater starts to produce unusual noises, you need to take action quickly in order to avoid serious problems in the future. While the noises your water heater produces are not typically dangerous, they may indicate that it is nearing the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
Sizzling and rumbling sounds are often caused by sediment accumulation at the bottom of your water heater’s tank. Mineral deposits, dirt, and sand can all settle at the bottom of your water tank and interfere with its heating process. An annual tank flush can help get rid of these materials.
High-pitched screeching and whistling noises are usually caused by loose valves. If you hear these sounds, it is best to call a professional plumber to check the valves and to repair or replace them as needed.
Clicking and tapping sounds usually come from heat traps or check valves installed to encourage water to flow in the right direction. These sounds can also be caused by vibrations when water heats and cools in your pipes. If you find these sounds bothersome, a water heater repair plumber can install a pressure-reducing valve to eliminate the noises.
A humming sound is typically caused by the heating element in your water heater tank becoming loose. While this is not a big deal in most cases, the humming sound can be irritating. Tightening the heating element can solve this problem, but this is a multistep process and requires handling dangerous electrical equipment. A professional can ensure the job is done safely and effectively.
Popping and rattling noises can also be signs of sediment buildup at the bottom of your water heater’s tanks. These noises can be prevented by performing an annual system flush and draining your water heater annually. If these measures do not solve the problem, a professional should be called to replace your water heater.
While water heaters may seem like a part of the house that is out of sight and mind for most homeowners, a faulty unit can create serious safety concerns. Among the most important safety issues are water leaks and gas leaks that can threaten your property, compromise home integrity, and even cause mold or structural damage. A leaking water heater should be considered a severe issue, and a replacement should be undertaken immediately to avoid further damage.
A faulty water heater can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which is dangerous for people and pets and kills 200 every year in the The odorless, colorless gas can leak out of the heater and into your home through a crack or vent. Installing a carbon monoxide detector can protect you from this deadly gas.
If your water heater is fueled by natural or LP gas, you’ll need to make sure that flammable materials aren’t kept near the tank or pilot light. This is a major fire risk as the combustible liquids can easily ignite and cause an explosion or fire in the utility closet or garage where many gas water heaters are installed.
Keeping combustible materials away from your water heater isn’t just good practice; it’s required by building codes for some homes. If your new gas water heater has a pilot light, it’s especially crucial that you never store oily rags, jump ropes, cans of paint, or any other combustible material near the unit.
The electrical wiring and connections to your water heater can be a source of concern as well. If the electrical system isn’t properly sized, it can create energy inefficiencies that can damage your equipment and lead to fires. The electrical system can also overheat and burn out if it’s drawing too much current. It’s important to have your electric water heater wired and connected by a professional. A qualified plumber can ensure that the electrical system is safely sized and has proper grounding and overcurrent protection. An electrical water heater should also have a thermal expansion tank to prevent overheating of the components and pipes.