Five Signs You Are Ready for Water Heater Installation
1. Your Water Heater Is More than 10 Years Old
An old or worn-down water heater can create a number of problems, such as water blockages, inadequate heating, corrosion and heating tank failures. If a water heater is more than a decade old, it could be time to install a new water heater.
2. Insufficient or Inconsistent Hot Water
The most common clue homeowners use to understand their existing water heater isn’t functioning properly is just a lack of hot water. When grime blocks the heating elements, the appliance may fail to transfer enough heat. This will sometimes lead to the water failing to reach the desired temperature, or just taking too much time to do so. Both problems can be pricey and inconvenient, especially in large households.
3. Cloudy or Discolored Water
No one wants brown or rust-colored water flowing out of their showerhead or staining their bathtub. If the water from your taps or plumbing fixtures looks cloudy or discolored, it likely means there is debris or rust buildup within your tank.
4. Loud or Weird Noises
Have you noticed any noises that resemble a pop, rumbling or bubbling sound? If the water heater is letting off unusual sounds, it’s commonly because there’s a problem. Whether that’s because of excessive sediment, cracks or corrosion, you should hire a professional to identify and fix the problem.
5. Strange, Unpleasant Odors
A moldy, musty odor indicates there might be sulfate bacteria building up in your water heater. In other cases, it points to a corroded heating element, though this will smell a lot more like rotten eggs. In extreme situations, the rotten egg smell could be produced by a gas leak nearby the water heater’s fuel supply.