At the end of a hot day or at the end of a heavy workout, a cool shower sounds great, right? What doesn’t sound so great is being surprised by cool or even icy water hitting you in the shower when you were trying to take a hot one! This is clearly a sign that something is amiss with your water heater, and while it may be a repairable problem, there’s also a chance, depending on other factors, that it might be time for a water heater upgrade.
The lack of hot water, then, is not the only sign that your water heater is starting to fail. But it’s one of a few that should definitely alert you to something being wrong, which means you should give our team a call ASAP. We’ll share some signs below that indicate something is off with your water heater. If you’ve picked up on any of them, it means it’s time to start looking at your replacement options.
Your Water Heater is Aging
Age matters when it comes to any one of your home comfort systems. If yours has reached the age of 15-20 years old, even without problems it’s probably time to start considering a replacement sooner rather than later. Newer water heater systems are automatically going to perform more efficiently and effectively when compared to a system from the early 2000s!
The Tank of Your Water Heater Has a Leak
Water heater leaks don’t always mean doom for your water heater. However, a leak from the tank of the system isn’t anything that can be repaired. If the leak is coming from the pressure relief valve, this is “normal”… meaning it can be fixed, but a leak from the tank means that the system has succumbed to corrosion.
Signs of Rust or Corrosion
Water heaters are built to resist rust and corrosion, however, this doesn’t mean your water heater will resist corrosion forever. There is a component within the tank of your water heater called the anode rod. It’s there specifically to absorb rust so that the interior of your water heater doesn’t. This anode rod does not last the entire lifespan of your water heater, and should be replaced every once in a while.
The other line of defense your water heater has against corrosion is a glass lining that prevents water from getting to the sides of the tank. But over the years, wear and tear can cause small cracks to form, meaning the water will eventually get through.
Increased Repair Needs
Last, but certainly not least, if your water heater has needed repairs more and more frequently, then this is definitely a sign that it’s on its last leg. The money spent on these repairs is better spent on a new water heater installation.
If you have discovered it’s time to replace your water heater, give us a call to explore your options! Today’s tank water heaters are increasingly more efficient, but you may discover that your household would benefit from something different, like a tankless system. We’re happy to go over all the details with you.
Contact Performance Plumbing for expert water heater service in St. Louis, MO!