Taking a nice, cold shower after a heavy workout or at the end of a long, hot day is nice. But getting assaulted by icy water hitting you when you were expecting a hot shower is not so nice.
This is clearly a sign that something is amiss, and it’s likely a problem with your water heater. In some cases, repairs will do, but eventually, you’re going to need a water heater replacement.
There are other signs that this might be the case in addition to a surprising cold shower. We’ve uncovered some of these signs below. If you notice any of them, please don’t hesitate to give us a call to talk about your water heater options.
Signs It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Your Old Water Heater
If you discover that something is amiss with your water heater, keep an eye out for these signs, and if you notice any of them in your own home, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Your water heater is aging. Age does matter when it comes to your home comfort system. If your water heater is approaching 15-20 years and is experiencing other problems that we’ll dive into below, it’s going to be ready for a replacement very soon.
The good news is that newer systems are much more efficient than those of the past, so you’ll automatically be saving money on your energy bills with a brand new, high-efficiency system over a water heater you got in the early 2000’s.
You have a leak in the water heater tank. Leaks don’t always mean your water heater is done for. However, a leak that’s coming from the actual tank of your system is an inevitable sign that your water heater is due for an upgrade. Some leaks are repairable, but this one is not.
There are visible signs of rust or corrosion. Your tank water heater has a couple of lines of defense to protect it from rust and corrosion. First is a layer of glass between the metal walls of your water heater tank and the water. The second layer is a component called the anode rod. This component is literally designed to absorb rust and corrosion.
The anode rod must be checked during your professional water heater maintenance sessions, and occasionally replaced too, but it should effectively do its job for many years! Until it just can’t anymore. When the lines of defense fail and you actually see visible rust on the outside of your tank, it’s time to consider an upgrade.
You have increasing repair needs. Last but not least, if your water heater needs repairs more and more frequently, then it’s a sure sign that the system is on its last leg. The money you’ll spend on those repairs for a failing system would likely be better spent on a complete water heater upgrade.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment for Waterloo, IA water heater services, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.