4 Indicators of Water Heater Failure
Everyone should be aware of these 4 Indicators of Water Heater Failure. If your water heater exhibits any of these indicators, it could be ready to fail. A broken water heater is not simply a matter of inconvenience. Results can range from minor to catastrophic flood damage, or even fire. Knowing what to look for can help you avert a potential problem before it happens.
- The first thing to be aware of is the age of your water heater. The generally accepted healthy lifespan of a water heater is 10 years old. If yours is older than that you will want to be extra vigilant in watching for other warning signs. The location of your water heater makes a difference too. Is it located in a garage where leaking or flood damage could be minimal? Or is it located in the home where even a small leak could cause costly damage?
- If your water heater is making rumbling, knocking or banging sounds, it could be trying to tell you something! Water sediment builds up in the tank over time, causing it to make noise as it heats up. This means it is less efficient, and cost more to keep running. It also causes more wear on the inside of the tank which can develop little holes or crack as the metal becomes more brittle.
- Rusty water can be an indicator that your water heater is rusting on the inside. But you need to determine if it is caused from your pipes or from the water heater. Get a five-gallon bucket and fill it with hot water 3 times. If the water is no longer rusty it most likely coming from the pipes. However, if the water is still rusty after 3 buckets it is very likely that your water heater is rusted and will need to be replaced.
- The most obvious indicator is moisture around, or leaking from, your water heater. A leaking water heater will definitely need to be replaced, but first you should eliminate other possible causes. Check all of the connections and the exterior pipes, if they feel dry and there is no visible leakage, it is likely time for a new water heater!
When you are ready for a new water heater, or you would like a professional assessment on the condition of your water heater, call the specialists at Jerry’s Plumbing and Heating!