Your water heater is an appliance. It might not be as much fun as that fancy mixer or your espresso machine, but it plays a vital role in your home. Unfortunately, it will break down just like any other appliance.

Here are some signs to look for that indicate it’s time to replace your water heater:

• Lukewarm water

If that hot shower in the morning suddenly becomes lukewarm; the heating element on your water heater could be faulty. The parts in the element are prone to failure, particularly if the unit is old.

• Age

So much water is filtered through your hot water heater that it’s surprising they last as long as they do. That is normally between eight and 12 years. Count yourself lucky if you’ve been living with the same water heater for longer than a dozen years.

• Poor draining ability

The buildup of sediment settles to the bottom of the heater tank. This actually speeds up the rate at which the tank itself fails. You’ll know this is occurring if you turn on the drain valve and either nothing happens, or water barely dribbles out. To prevent this from happening flush your tank entirely once a year.

• Leaks

It’s not often that a leaking tank can be repaired. If you notice a leak, get an inspection. You’ll need to repair or replace your water heater before it floods your home.

Be wary of these water heater problems

To repair, or replace, your water heater – that is the question. Of course, everyone who encounters a problem with their heater crosses their fingers for a quick fix. That’s not always in the cards, especially if the system is 10 years old or older. Professional plumbers will help you make the decision.

When you see burn marks, a yellow flame color, corrosion or dripping or leaking water, these problems will need immediate action. Burn marks could be from improper venting or damaged flue pipes.

Hearing a popping sound when the heater fires up (or turns on for those with electric systems), means you have an accumulation of sludge in your tank. The sludge forms little pockets that causes the heating element to generate steam, which causes the popping noise.

A loud blower motor is also a common signal that you’re having problems. Generally, the bearings wear out, causing all the racket. Unfortunately, once the motor dies, your water heater won’t work.

Common tips for keeping your water line in good condition

There are two lines connected to your home that are “most important,” the sewer line and your water line. The sewer line carries away waste water, and your water line brings precious H2O to your bathrooms, kitchen and your outdoor spigots.

Keeping a consistent inspection schedule is the key to catching a faulty line before it goes completely south on you. One culprit is tree roots that can find their way into the path of your water line after years and years of growing. With a sudden drop in water pressure, schedule an inspection, because lime scale, tree roots and a failing line could be the cause.

Another tip is to look for puddles. The water will actually bubble up in some cases if there is a leak below your property. Catching it before it becomes a big issue will save you time and money.

Selecting a new water heater

A good way to pick out a new heater is to look at the specs on the one you currently have and then find a similar model. You’ll need to look for the following:

• Dimensions

You shouldn’t get a unit that is too big or too small for your needs, or for the physical space in which the heater must be installed.

• Capacity

The volume of the tank is crucial. If you’ve got a large family that requires multiple bathrooms for bathing, make sure the unit has the appropriate capacity. This will keep everyone in the amount of hot water they require during peak usage times.

• Heating per hour

A system that doesn’t heat your water as fast as you need, means you’re going to run into issues. Make sure the recovery rate is appropriate for your needs.

• Energy

If you want to stay energy conscious, ask about which units offer the best bang for the buck (and the environment). Generally speaking, the smaller the tank, the more efficient the system.

Ask your plumber if gas or electric will be the best fit for your home. Hybrid and solar tanks are also an option with some plumbing contractors.

Preventing a water heater failure emergency before it happens

Don’t take the risk – if you’ve got an aging system, you’re essentially taking a gamble that will not pay off. If you aren’t sure how old it is, check the side of the unit and look for a series of letters and numbers. If it says A13; that means it was made in January of 2013. If it says J03; it was made in October of 2003. The letters A to K correspond with the month and the last two digits represent the year. An extremely old manufacture date might be an indication it is time to replace your water heater with a newer more efficient unit.

Is your water running red? This is another sign that you could be about to experience an emergency. The corrosion inside the tank often has sediment with a lot of iron in it. When that rusts you’ll see red coming through your hot water.

Your water heater can also become something akin to a dangerous rocket, if you aren’t careful. Gas leaks and water pressure are the two culprits that can lead to a dangerous event. The shut off valve should allow your water heater to automatically shut off before the pressure reaches dangerous levels. When this safety mechanism fails, it can cause the pressure to build up until the tank explodes.

Prevent water heater failure before it happens by contacting Valley Fire Protection Systems. We’re known for our fire protection services, but we’re expert, certified plumbers who can handle all your water heater needs, so contact us today.

Related Topics: Plumbing Problems \/\/ Water Heater