Signs It’s Time to Update Your Water Heater
The water heater in your home is an appliance typically not thought about until a problem occurs. A water heater that fails can result in, at minimum, no hot water, and at maximum, major water damage. However, knowing the various signs of trouble will help when contacting a Schererville plumber like Reichelt Plumbing for assistance.
Loud Noises
Noises coming from your water heater may indicate there is a buildup of sediment. If there is sediment inside the tank, any contact with the heating element can cause noise. This can include banging or knocking sounds.
Another reason for noise is often because of a bad heating element. Replacing the water heater is required if the tank has previously been flushed.
Inconsistent Temperature
Water that is too hot or not hot enough requires you to adjust the thermostat on the water heater. This needs to be done by removing the access panel on the unit.
Water heaters need to heat water to a minimum of 120 degrees. If a unit is not heating water correctly, there may be some other problem.
Usage & Water Quality
Water heaters that must constantly run to keep water heated in the tank can use a lot of energy. This constant use can wear our a unit faster than a unit that runs less frequently. Tankless units, which provide on-demand hot water instead of storing it in a tank, can help you save money on repairs required of conventional water heaters.
Additionally, if a home has hard water, minerals can build up in the unit and cause problems with the water lines. Water filtration systems throughout access points in your home can provide you with the solution to this problem.
Age of the Unit
Traditional water heaters found in residential homes have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. If a water heater is more than 15 years old, however, a water heater upgrade may be warranted. Because of new industry technology, a newer unit is more efficient and will use less energy than an older unit.
Leaking
Standing water under a water heater may indicate a leak. Rust in the tank can also cause leaking. If a water heater is leaking, a new plumbing installation is needed as soon as possible.
Reichelt Plumbing provides service in the states of Indiana and Illinois. Call us at (219) 322-4906 for water heater repair and installation services.