Water heaters are one of the essential appliances in your home. Whether you use it to shower, cook dinner or wash the dishes, your hot water tank is not an appliance you can do without. It’s essential to monitor your hot water tank to ensure it is maintained and working properly and efficiently.
If you’re running into problems with your water heater, now may be the time to consider replacing it. Here are some of the top warning signs that it may be time.
Constant Repairs and Maintenance
If you notice that your hot water tank constantly needs repairs and maintenance, it’s likely time to replace it. If a leak develops in your hot water tank, do not try to repair the leak yourself. This can cause more damage than good and potentially lead to an explosion if not handled properly. Instead, call a professional plumber who can determine if there are other problems with your system and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
If you suspect your water heater may be nearing its end-of-life cycle, consider investing in an energy star-rated model that uses less energy than traditional models while still providing enough hot water. This will help save money on monthly bills while helping protect our environment simultaneously.
Frequent Leaks and Drips
If you have an old or defective hot water tank, it may start leaking or dripping onto the floor. Leaks can occur in your hot water tank due to broken seals or corrosion on the unit’s internal parts. This is a sign for replacing your hot water tank.
Water Pressure Issues
The first indication that your hot water tank is due for replacement is an issue with the water pressure. If your shower or kitchen sink has low water pressure, it could result from a leaky shower head or faucet.
A poorly maintained hot water tank can also cause problems with the pressure inside your pipes when they try to deliver hot water throughout the house at once. When this happens, some areas might not get enough pressure while others get too much. This means certain parts of your home will either feel cold or experience flooding from overflowing sinks/tubs/showers.
Check the pressure gauges on your water heater or tankless system. If one side is lower than the other, this could indicate that there is sediment buildup inside your tank that needs to be removed before you can use it again.
Water Temperature Issues
The water can be too hot or not hot enough. The ideal temperature setting for domestic hot water should be approximately 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit). Still, it might be time for a new tank if yours is hotter or colder than this.
If you live in a location where the temperature drops below freezing in winter or goes above 30 degrees in summer, you should have your system checked once per year during those seasons.
Inconvenient Location of Tank
The inconvenient location of the tank means you need help accessing it when needed. Consider relocating it to make it easy to access, especially when trying to flush out sediment buildup inside pipes after years’ worth of use.
Overdue Service
The most important thing to remember about hot water tank maintenance is to do it regularly. Its average lifespan is 20-25 years, but it can last longer if properly maintained.
Suppose your house has hard water (water that contains minerals). In that case, it’s also essential to have the system inspected at least once yearly because hard water causes corrosion within the tank and pipes, leading to leaks or other problems later down the line.
The Importance of Hot Water Tank Maintenance
Saves you money
A leaky hot water tank can waste hundreds of gallons of water each year and cause your utility bill to skyrocket. Further, the hotter the water gets in the tank, the more energy it uses. So, a faulty tank means higher bills for electricity or gas depending on how much heat is used by this appliance in your house. Frequent maintenance can help avoid these problems and save your money.
It Helps the Environment
- Reduced water consumption: When you don’t constantly reheat water, your hot water tank will use less energy. This reduces the number of carbon emissions the power plant produces that supply your home with electricity.
- Reduced waste: Hot water tanks produce a lot of solid waste when it comes time for maintenance or repair work, so keeping yours adequately maintained can help prevent this issue from arising in the first place.
It Protects Your Pipes and Appliances
A hot water tank is made of metal, which can rust if exposed to water for too long. This can lead to expensive repairs and damage to your pipes, appliances, and the tank itself. If you have an old or damaged tank with a slow leak that could be causing damage, it’s best to replace it before further problems arise.
Water heaters can leak and cause damage to your home. Water heaters are heavy, so they can cause severe damage if they fall. If a water heater leaks, it will cause damage to the house and the environment. It can also cause flooding and damage to your home.
Hot water tanks are an integral part of any home. They allow us to take a hot shower and wash our clothes, but if left unattended, they can cause serious problems. The basic plumbing problems addressed in this article can be quickly identified and fixed, preventing costly property damage and repairs. HomeWise Plumbing and Drainage provides water heater maintenance, repair and if needed replacement. If your hot water tank needs servicing or replacing book an appointment with us, before emergency services are required.