You know that hot water is one of the most critical aspects of your home. It would be best if you had it for bathing and cleaning, and you probably use it to make coffee or tea every day. But did you know that a new water heater can save you money just like the heat lamp in the bathroom? And not just the initial investment, it will also save you from having to pay extra for repairs down the road. If your current water heater is giving off funny smells or making a lot of noise, it might be time for an upgrade. Here are five signs that you need a new water heater.
Your Water Isn’t Hot
If your water is lukewarm instead of hot, the problem is likely with your water heater. As a general rule of thumb, if you can’t get it to heat up past 60 degrees F (or about 16 degrees C), then you probably need a new water heater. It may be more apparent when taking a shower because there’s no way to regulate the temperature of the water coming out of a faucet. If it’s cold, chances are good that something isn’t working right.
There’s also possibly an issue with your tankless water heater or boiler. Both are common culprits in ensuring that warm or hot water flows as it should. But they’re less likely than other problems like leaks and clogs in pipes or fittings leading up from those tanks into your home.
Your Water Heater Is Older Than 8 Years
The average lifespan of a water heater is 8 – 12 years, but it’s essential to consider that this number is affected by many factors. For example, the quality of your water, whether you have hard or soft water, the amount of sediment in your tank, and whether or not you have a pressure-relief valve installed will affect its longevity. Other variables include how often you use hot water and how much time is spent between each usage. A good rule of thumb is to replace it if it’s over eight years but always check with a plumbing service provider first.
If you’re looking for ways to extend the life of your current unit, we suggest investing in annual maintenance services from plumbing services. One way they can help prolong the life span (and reduce energy costs) is by repairing minor leaks before they become significant problems (which would require replacement). Further savings could be realized through annual flushing as well. This process keeps sediment out from clogging up valves, leading them to work efficiently over time since less sediment means less friction between moving parts inside.
Your Water Heater Is Making a Humming Noise
The humming noise you hear when your water heater is on is a sign that there’s a problem. It could mean that your water heater has developed a leak, which may or may not be visible. If you’re concerned about leaks and want to know if you have one, inspect the floor around your water heater for discoloration or moisture. If you see any signs of leaking, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a professional.
Another possible cause for this noise is faulty thermostat wiring or a faulty element in the heating tank itself. The strangest thing about this particular problem is that it doesn’t always happen at first. Sometimes the humming starts after several months of use because something in the system has been damaged by corrosion over time and will eventually need replacement.
If none of these issues sound familiar, then maybe it’s time for some maintenance. Have someone come out and take a look at things under the hood before anything significant goes wrong.
Your Utility Bill Is Mysteriously High
The first thing to do is look at the thermostat. Your utility bills might be high if the temperature is higher than usual. Most thermostats are on a timer and turn off after a specific time, so check that it’s working correctly and not set to a higher temperature than usual.
Another cause could be that your house is getting too cool or too hot because of poor insulation. If this is the case, you should hire an expert to check your furnace and ductwork for air leaks that allow cold or warm air into the house during the winter or summer. You may also want to add insulation around where your water heater sits, an easy fix.
There’s Water Around Your Water Heater
If there is water around your water heater, it’s a sign that your water heater has sprung a leak. Leaking water heaters can be dangerous because they expose you to scalding hot temperatures, which can cause severe burns if exposed for too long. If this is happening, it’s time to call a professional leak services provider of HVAC technicians to take a look at the water heater.
Bottomline
If you notice any of the above signs, or any other signs (like a stench coming from your water heater), it’s best to call a plumber. The good news is that water heater installation and repair are pretty straightforward; the bad news is that sometimes it can be costly. You can do some things yourself if you want to save money, but we recommend calling an expert if anything looks too complicated or expensive for you.
There are many signs that your water heater is on its way out, but not all are easy to spot. One moment you’ll be enjoying warm showers and laundry, only to find yourself cold later down the line. We hope this article helps you recognize some common issues that can help you figure out if it’s time for a new heater or not.
