5 Reasons to Get a Water Heater Replacement

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Like any of your appliances, your water heater won’t work for you forever. One day, you’ll have to find a replacement for your water heater. However, the big question is if you’ll get a replacement before or after your old water heater fails. There’s always the possibility that a water heater fails before you replace it and it causes major water damage and flooding in your home. This is why it’s so important to be able to tell when your water heater is on the fritz. Let Gold Star Service educate you on how to tell when it’s time for a replacement.

Here are 5 signs you should call us to get a water heater replacement:

Leaky water tank

Standing or leaking water around the tank can be a sign of internal failure, a serious problem for tank water heaters. Unfortunately, there’s no real way to easily fix this problem. You’ll have to find a replacement quickly to avoid water damage. When replacing it, make sure the electricity or gas is disconnected so the water can cool before you change it out.
 

Disturbing noises

As a major appliance, it’s not uncommon for the water heater to make some slight noise when operating. However, loud cracks and pops likely represent sediment buildup problems inside the tank. As the sediment heats, cools and reheats, the sediment will eventually harden at the bottom of the tank. The strange noises you hear are caused by pockets of air in the hardened sediment boiling along with the water. Regular tank flushing can generally prevent this problem, but if the noise persists, your tank may be close to suffering internal failure. However, be careful if you’re flushing your tank for the first time after years of neglect. The sediment may create and plug up holes in the tank, and flushing it out may open up these holes. Holes like these are clear-cut signs a replacement is necessary.
 

Rusty/muddy water

Rusty-looking water can be a sign of internal corrosion in your tank, which creates rust that gets into your water. Common areas to see rust include the tank seams, the water supply line, the drain valve, and the temperature and pressure release valves. On the other hand, if you’re seeing muddy water, you have a sediment problem in your tank. Flushing can fix it but read the last sign for an important warning about flushing old tanks.
 

Not enough hot water

Not only can sediment damage your tank, but it can also reduce your water heater’s efficiency. When sediment builds up on the bottom of the tank, it gets between the burner and the water. This requires your burner to work harder to heat your water. Not only does that cost more in energy bills, but it also wears down the burner quicker. If this goes on for too long, the heater can fail and cause a leak. An annual tank flushing is a good way to prevent this issue. In addition, a water softener can help prevent the sediment that builds up inside water heater tanks.
 

Age

One of the simplest indicators of a water heater’s health is how long it’s been in use. On average, a tank water heater can last ten to fifteen years if it’s been cared for properly. Meanwhile, tankless models can go beyond twenty years. If your tank water heater has reached the double digits, it might be time to consider swapping it out. If you don’t remember when you installed it, you can check your water heater’s serial number. For example, a serial number starting with ‘0414’ means the water heater was made in April (04) 20(14.)
 

What makes Gold Star Service one of the area’s best home service companies?

Gold Star Service has helped Long Island homeowners with their home service issues for nearly a decade. Our professionals are up-to-date on all of the latest home service technologies and regulations. In addition, we’re available for emergency service and provide warranties on all of our parts and labor. Call Gold Star Service today to learn more about our water heaters!