When To Know When Its Time for a Water Heater Replacement or Service
Water heaters are among the most crucial plumbing devices in homes. Tankless and standard options use different fuel sources, such as gas, electric, and oil. No matter the type of water heater, regular maintenance, and services from a plumbing expert are needed to keep it healthy throughout its lifespan.
The lifespan of a water heater typically varies from 6 to 12 years for a water heater with a tank and more than 20 years for a tankless water heater. If water heater services are not kept up, their lifespan easily shortens, and the risk of costly water heater repairs increases.
Hot water is used for dishes, laundry, and cozy showers, and homeowners should take steps to get the most out of their water heaters. Knowing the signs when a water heater is failing and scheduling water heater services with a plumbing expert is a great way to prevent a failure.
Why Regular Water Heater Maintenance is Essential for Energy Efficiency
It is recommended that water heaters be serviced yearly and that homeowners inspect them regularly for anything unusual. When a plumber performs water heater maintenance, they will flush out the system and inspect the parts needing replacing.
Water heaters are among the most used energy sources in homes, along with other home appliances. If not repaired, a faulty water heater could lead to more costly service and a higher electric bill.
When a water heater ages, it becomes less energy efficient despite being well maintained. Depending on the type, water heaters last up to 20 years, and a replacement may be recommended to save the most energy.
The Meaning Behind Odd Sounds From a Water Heater
When odd noises from a water heater, this is usually a sign that something is wrong. Plumbing experts should be called to diagnose the issue and possibly provide a water heater replacement or needed service.
Here are some of the sounds that may come from a water heater and their causes:
- Cracking Sound - Cracking sounds are common in gas and electric water heaters, mainly due to moisture buildup.
- Banging and Knocking - Banging sounds are typically from sediment buildup from water heaters.
- Popping Sounds - It is common for popping sounds to occur when a water heater needs to be flushed.
- Whistling - Loose valves or air released from a water heater cause a hissing sound.
- Humming Sounds - Blockages in the water heater’s combustion air inlet typically cause a humming noise in a water heater.
If anything odd happens with a water heater, an expert should be called to suspect the water heater as soon as possible. Waiting could cause damage to worsen or even cause health issues to a home resident from water becoming contaminated.
How Water Heaters Cause Smelly and Discolored Water
Water heater maintenance is important for maintaining quality water in homes. When tap water starts looking dirty or smelly, the water heater is one of the first places to inspect. If water becomes contaminated from a faulty water heater, health issues may occur.
Sediment buildup at the bottom of a water heater can cause water to look dirty. This buildup not only contaminates water but also slowly damages it. An easy way to tell if a water heater is the issue for dirty and smelly water is to see if the water is only discolored when using hot water.
Annual water heater flushing helps prevent sediment buildup. Inspections on the anode rod and other water heater parts also help prevent water heaters from contaminating the water.
About Lodder Brothers Limited
The Lodder Brothers Limited are your friendly neighborhood plumbers in Kitchener, ON, serving their Canadian region with exceptional service region since 1975! Contact Lodder Brothers Limited today for relief on the most dire plumbing issues like leaky pipes and water heater replacements.
