Similar to other major appliances that can be found throughout a property, water heaters can begin to breakdown over an extended period of time. In best-case scenario, you will catch the problem early on and replace the water heater before it quits working. However, it can be hard for people to tell that there is an issue to begin with until a catastrophe happens. If you are not quite sure of the signs, ASAP Plumbing is here to help!
Rusty and/or Muddy Water
When you turn on the water and notice the color is more of a murky or rusty color rather than clear, this is usually a huge indicator your water heater is beginning to corrode. The tank has begun to deteriorate causing rust to form all throughout it. So, if you are noticing some rusty water coming from the pipes this could be a sign that there is a buildup of sediment in your water tank and you need to seek help from a team of experts.
Water Surrounding the Water Heater
Have you noticed water sitting or leaking around your water heater? If so, you need to seek help as soon as possible. This is usually a sign that your water heater is experiencing an internal failure and will more than likely need to be replaced quickly. Be sure to turn off your electricity and let the water cool down before you try to replace it.
Loud Noises
Hearing some weird noises coming from your water heater? It’s important to pay attention to this. Hearing noises isn’t uncommon, but you should be aware of any loud cracks or popping sounds that come from it. Many times, these noises are caused by a buildup of sediment and if left unattended could cost you more in the long run.
How Old is Your Water Heater?
Did you know that on average, most water heaters last about ten years? If yours is a bit older than ten years or you aren’t quite sure when it was last replaced, it may be time to start looking into replacing it with a new water heater. Check out the serial number on the manufacturer sticker to help yourself determine the age of your water heater to get a better idea of how much longer it should last.
Inconsistent Water Temperature
If the water in your shower goes from hot to cold and back without anyone touching the faucet, the heater is struggling to keep up. The same issue shows up at the kitchen sink when hot water arrives slowly, runs lukewarm for a minute, then briefly turns hot before going lukewarm again. That’s the heater cycling on and off as the thermostat tries to compensate for a tank that can’t hold a steady temperature.
The cause is usually one of three things: a failing thermostat, a heating element on its way out, or sediment buildup that’s insulating the burner from the water. The first two are repairs. The third can sometimes be cleared with a flush, but if the buildup has gone on for years, replacement starts to make more sense.
Higher Energy Bills Without Higher Use
The water heater is one of the largest energy users in most homes. As it ages and loses efficiency, the cost shows up on your monthly utility bill before it shows up at the faucet. Pull the last six bills and look at the trend line. If usage has stayed about the same in your household but the cost has climbed steadily, an aging water heater is one of the most likely reasons.
A new high-efficiency unit, especially a tankless model, can pay back part of the replacement cost over time through lower bills. The math depends on your current unit’s age, the price of energy in your area and how much hot water the household uses. A plumber can help walk through the numbers before you commit either way.
What to Do When You Spot the Signs
If one or more of the signs above is present, take a few minutes to gather basic information before calling a plumber. The more you can tell them up front, the faster the diagnostic visit goes. Useful details include:
- The age of the unit, if you can find it on the label
- The brand and model
- Whether it’s gas or electric
- The tank capacity (usually 30, 40, 50, 75 or 80 gallons)
- What the symptoms are and when they started
- Whether anything has changed recently in the household, like added bathrooms or new high-demand appliances
If the unit is leaking, shut off the cold water supply at the inlet and turn off the breaker for an electric unit or the gas valve for a gas unit. That stops the situation from getting worse while you wait for help.
Replacement: What to Expect
If replacement is the answer, the actual installation is usually a half-day job for a tank model and a full day for a tankless. The plumber drains the old tank, disconnects the water and gas or electric supply, removes the old unit, sets the new one in place, reconnects everything, fills and pressure-tests the system and starts it up.
Older homes sometimes need small upgrades during install to bring connections up to current code. The plumber will spot those before the work starts and include any extras in the estimate. Once the new unit is running, expect about an hour for the tank to come up to full temperature on a gas unit and longer on an electric one.
How Coastal Conditions Affect Water Heater Lifespan
Water heaters in homes along the Mississippi Gulf Coast often don’t reach their full expected lifespan. Coastal humidity and salt in the air corrode metal cabinets and exposed fittings faster than the same unit would face in a dry inland location. Hard water, which is common in this part of the state, accelerates sediment buildup inside the tank.
For homeowners in Gulfport, Biloxi, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Ocean Springs and Bay St. Louis, that means staying ahead of maintenance is even more important. Plan on flushing the tank annually, having the anode rod inspected every few years and replacing the unit before it fails completely. The cost of a planned replacement is always lower than an emergency one.
If your plumbing needs to be repaired or if you have questions regarding your water heater, contact ASAP Plumbing today at 228-865-2727 or visit www.plumbinggulfportms.com and request a free estimate! We can handle all your plumbing needs including installation, repair and full water heater replacement.