Standing water heaters have an average lifespan of about 10 to 13 years. If your water heater is getting up there in age, it’s probably on the road to dying. Most water heaters give you signs before they kick the bucket. Five Star Plumbing is going to list the signs of a dying water heater below. Give us a call at the first indication of trouble. The sooner we replace your water heater the less chance you have of it leaking and causing water damage.
Speaking of Leaking…
Leaking is one of the most common signs that you need to replace your water heater. You should never see water around the heater. In fact, you shouldn’t even see condensation. If you do, it’s possible that the heater tank is okay and you just need to replace the connectors or fittings. If the water leak is severe, you likely have a crack in the water heater tank and the unit will need to be replaced.
Rust/Corrosion
Take a good look at your water heater regularly to see if it is getting corroded or resting. If you see water around the water heater that is either orange or red, rust has eaten through the tank and, as a consequence, your water heater is leaking. Eventually, corrosion will be the cause of your water heater’s death. With water in it all the time, it only makes sense that the metal will corrode and rust.
Strange Sounds
Chances are you will be warned that your water heater is going out. Usually, banging or clanking sounds become more noticeable the older a water heater gets. You may also hear popping sounds. The reason your water heater makes these noises is that mineral deposits are corroding the inside of the water heater and affecting the heating element. We may be able to clean your water heater to resolve the problem. Depending on the corrosion, however, the tank may also need to be replaced.
Cold Water
Finally, nothing is worse than stepping into the shower after a hard day and not having any hot water. This definitely points to the water heater. It’s possible that the heating element isn’t working anymore or that you don’t have any hot water because it has leaked out of the tank. At any rate, cold water is definitely a sign that your hot water heater has died.
Five Star Plumbing in San Antonio, TX, can help. We would be happy to come and inspect your hot water heater if you suspect it is dying. Call us today to set up an appointment.
