When To Start Planning for Water Heater Replacement

Signs of a Failing Water Heater 

Losing a water heater is never fun. Most people find out in the middle of the shower when the water runs cold. Not only is this a major inconvenience, but to top it all off, a plumber must be called out for emergency repairs or water heater replacement. 

Avoiding this situation is relatively easy when people know what they want. By learning to spot the signs that a water heater is failing, owners can plan and avoid the hassle of emergency service on top of losing access to hot water. Pay attention to the following signs to stay prepared. 

Corrosion 

Corrosion is a problem that affects every water heater and the plumbing in every structure. While plumbers go to great lengths to prevent corrosion, it can still adversely affect the plumbing, especially the water heater. Corrosion is most often spotted on piping, where greenish deposits are evident near pipe joints or rust is forming on iron-based metals. It can occur anytime water and metal are present, so tons of corrosion can be hidden inside the water heater. 

When corrosion has started to attack the water heater, the water may appear tinted red or green. It may also have a bad taste or odor that gets worse over time. If corrosion affects the water heater, then the protective measures that plumbers use to prevent it are ineffective. Water heater replacement will be the only option to restore pure water to the home and prevent damage from leaks caused by the water heater. 

Running Out of Hot Water 

Most people have a horror story about hopping in the shower only to run out of hot water. This is probably the most common way that owners realize that a water heater replacement is needed. However, astute homeowners can notice the problem earlier before it leaves them taking cold showers. 

Often, problems with hot water volume develop slowly. This means that they start to become more evident when supplying lukewarm water at the end of a shower instead of solely cold water. If owners are lucky enough to notice the reduction in hot water volume before it's too late, they can schedule a replacement for the water heater before they are completely out of hot water. 

Old Age and High Repair Costs 

Getting stuck in a cold shower or replacing the water heater are major headaches. Luckily, for most homeowners, these problems only occur every ten years. With good maintenance, the average lifespan of a water heater is about a decade. Knowing the age of a water heater can allow homeowners to plan ahead and take preemptive action. When the current tank is nearing ten years old, homeowners can schedule a replacement water heater before the tank completely fails. 

In addition to age, failing water heaters also raise higher repair bills. When numerous repairs are required to keep the water heater running, it is usually a sign that the whole system is succumbing to wear and tear. Instead of paying for numerous repairs, why not replace the water heater and save money? 

About E.R. Services

E.R. Services has nearly 20 years of service to the local community, and its appreciation is reflected in hundreds of good reviews and high ratings. They are always available for emergency residential or commercial service. Call today for plumbing services in Charlotte, NC. 

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