Are you experiencing shorter hot showers? It might be time to replace your water heater. That can be a pain, racing through your shower routine to keep the water remotely hot. Water heaters are essential components of many households. They provide clean, hot water for cooking, cleaning, and bathing. There are a few signs to keep in mind when it’s time to replace your water heater.
For any plumbing related concern, Certified Plumbing of Brevard is here to assist you, whether that means installing the right water heater for your home, repairing the water heater in your business, drain cleaning, gas line repairs, and so on. We have over 33 years of experience in Brevard county and would love to restore your plumbing system! Call Certified Plumbing of Brevard to install or replace your water heater.
How Does a Water Heater Work
A water heater uses either gas or electricity to heat water that is stored in a tank. The size of the tank will depend on the size of your household and your water usage.
Cold water enters the tank through a dip tube and then it is heated by a gas burner or an electric heating element. The hot water then rises to the top of the tank and is drawn off as needed.
There are two types of water heaters: storage tank and tankless. Storage tanks are the most common type of water heater. They come in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of different sized families. Tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular because they are more energy efficient than storage tank heaters.
Storage Tank Water Heater or Tankless Water Heater?
Traditional water heaters or storage tank water heaters store hot water in a tank until it’s needed, then use a heating element to keep the water hot. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water on demand as it’s needed.
If you have a large family or run a business with high hot water demands, then a traditional water heater with a large tank is likely your best bet. However, if you have a small household or your hot water needs are relatively low, then a tankless water heater may be a better option since it’s more energy-efficient.
Traditional water heaters are typically less expensive upfront than tankless ones. However, tankless water heaters often last longer and are more energy-efficient in the long run, so they may end up saving you money in the long run despite the higher initial cost.
How to Tell You to Replace Your Water Heater
Age of the Water Heater
The average lifespan of a water heater is 8-12 years. If your unit is approaching or exceeding this age range, it’s time to start considering a replacement. However, there are plenty of factors, such as maintenance, that can affect how long your water heater will last.
It is recommended that you get your water heater inspected every year. To schedule your annual water heater inspection, contact Certified Plumber of Brevard. We can help maintain or replace your water heater so it can function efficiently for years to come!
Leaks or Odd Noises
Leaks and odd noises are signs that there’s something wrong with your water heater. Oftentimes, these issues are more severe than a repair can fix. That’s why it is important to keep up with your annual water heater inspections.
If there is any leaking around the base of the unit or from pipes connected to it; these may indicate problems like corrosion or other major issues with the system. Listen for strange noises coming from inside the tank. If you hear anything like rumbling or popping sounds, get in touch with a plumber right away!
Rumbling, popping, or banging noises coming from your water heater can be indicative of sediment buildup. This can cause serious damage to your unit and lead to an early failure, so it’s best to replace it before things get too out of hand.
Lack of Hot Water
This is often the first sign that something is wrong with your water heater. If you’re noticing that there’s not enough hot water for your needs or that the water isn’t as hot as it used to be, it’s time for a new unit. This could be due to sediment buildup in the tank, which is a common problem with older water heaters.
Higher Utility Bill
Water heaters are one of the biggest energy hogs in the average home, so if you’ve noticed a sudden spike in your gas or electric bill, chances are your unit is the culprit. While this isn’t always an indicator that you need a new unit, it could just mean that you need to flush out the sediment buildup, it’s worth having a professional take a look just to be safe.
The Dangers of an Inefficient Water Heater
A water heater is one of those appliances that we often take for granted, until it stops working. When a water heater isn’t operating efficiently, it can cause a lot of problems. Not only will you have to deal with lukewarm showers and high energy bills, but you could also be putting your safety at risk. Dangers of an inefficient water heater:
Leaks and Flooding
Leaks can occur in a number of different places, such as the tank itself, the pipes leading to and from the tank, or the fittings. If left unchecked, these leaks can cause significant damage to your home, while also increasing your water bill.
Scalding Water
Another danger that comes with an inefficient water heater is scalding water. This can happen if the temperature setting on the water heater is too high or if the thermostat isn’t working properly. Either way, it’s important to exercise caution when using hot water from an inefficient water heater. Otherwise, you could end up with serious burns.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Another hazard associated with inefficient water heaters is carbon monoxide poisoning. This is particularly a concern with gas-powered water heaters. If there’s a crack in the heat exchanger, the part of the water heater that transfers heat from the gas burner to the water, carbon monoxide can escape into your home. Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, you may not realize there’s a problem until it’s too late. It’s important to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home if you have a gas-powered water heater.
Fire Hazard
Water heaters are one of the most common causes of house fires. If your water heater is old or not properly maintained, it could be at risk of catching fire. An efficient water heater should be properly vented to avoid a build-up of flammable gasses. If your vents are blocked or there’s a build-up of lint around the heating element, your water heater could be at risk of igniting.
Another danger of an inefficient water heater is that it could explode. While this is rare, it does happen. If there’s a build-up of pressure inside the tank, the tank could burst and cause serious damage to your home or business. This is why it’s so important to have your water heater regularly inspected by the professionals at Certified Plumbing of Brevard.
Certified Plumbing of Brevard Can Help!
Protect your home and business by maintaining a properly working water heater. If your tank is experiencing any of the systems of an outdated water heater, such as old age, leaking, strange sounds, lack of hot water, or higher energy bills, you should call your plumber for maintenance. These signs do not mean that your water heater needs replacing, but it definitely means that your water heater needs some TLC.
If, however, your water heater is in need of replacing, Certified Plumbing of Brevard can safely and happily install a water heater on your property. Don’t hesitate, contact the experienced Certified Plumbing of Brevard today at 321-676-0812 to restore your hot water heater system so you can take a relaxing hot shower, without worrying of running out of hot water.
