Is it Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

Given the fact that heating water in the average 21^st century household takes up about one-quarter of your entire energy bill, and that the modern convenience of instantaneous hot water is really now a necessity, taking care of the flow of hot water in your home should be a first priority. Expert plumbers’ advice is that if your water heater is having problems, it will show some warning signs before it’s ready for the scrap heap. Be aware of these signs and act promptly to avoid costly repairs or unexpected need of replacement.

• Water pooling at the base of the heater

  With the largest home hot water tank on the market able to hold up to 400 litres of water you don’t want to ignore any problems of possible leakage. The most tell-tale sign hot water system failing is water around the base of the unit. This can be caused by several issues, including a fractured tank, a faulty drain valve, or a slackened pressure relief valve. In any case of excess water escaping the tank it is vital to get it checked out by a professional post haste. If you notice leakage from the tank of your hot water heater, this could be a sign of a serious problem. It is important to have your hot water heater checked out by a professional if you notice any leaks in the tank.

• Unit makes unusual noises

  Another sign that your hot water heater is failing is unusual noises coming from the unit. These noises can appear as deep rumbles or strange whining noises, and they often point to the fact that the tank is starting to rust or corrode. This deterioration in the heater walls can be lessened by a sacrificial anode placed in the unit. It is oxygen in the water that causes the metal inside the tank to rust, but the anode draws the oxygen to itself and slows corrosion. The sacrificial anode is there to sacrifice itself, so your tank lasts longer. Replacing the sacrificial anode and flushing your tank can help prevent premature corrosion in your tank. If you do hear strange sounds coming from your hot water heater, it is important to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible.

• Temperature fluctuations (water is lukewarm or too hot)

  If your hot water is not as hot as usual or too hot, this could be an indication that the unit is starting to malfunction. Reasons include a number of potential causes, including sediment build-up in the unit, a failing heating element, or a problem with the tempering valve. The water inside the actual heater by regulation should be above 60 degrees Celsius as this prevents Legionella bacteria growth. The tempering valve is the device mixing the hot and the cold water together to prevent scalding. 

  Sediment can cover up parts of the heating element lowering the temperature, or the element itself might break down on its own. 
  
  Whatever the case, if you notice that your water is not as hot as it used to be, it is important to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible, for sanitary and functional purposes.

• Skyrocketing energy bills

  If you are aware that your energy bills have suddenly jumped higher than usual, this could be an indication that your hot water heater is not at its optimal best. There are several potential reasons for this, including a faulty heating element or an issue with the thermostat. If the unit is a gas heater and the pilot light is not working, the heater might need to be re-ignited.

  There are usually instructions to how to re-ignite the pilot light on the tank, but it is best to leave it to the expertise of a professional plumber. So, if you notice a sudden jump in your energy bills, it is vital to have your hot water heater checked out by a professional before it is too late.

• Water that is cloudy or foul smelling

  If you notice that the water coming from your hot water heater smells foul or is milky in colour, this could be an indication of a serious problem, such as bacteria growth in the tank. It is important to have your hot water heater checked out by a professional if you notice any changes in the taste or scent of the water. With over one-quarter of the world’s 7.5 billion population having no access to clean water, but ourselves in the lucky 74% majority, problems like this should be addressed immediately.

• Unit is old

  If your hot water heater is more than a decade old, it is likely time for a replacement. Hot water heaters typically last for about 10 years before they need to be replaced. You can check for the above signs but even if absent it is still wiser to replace the unit when this old to spare any emergency inconveniences down the track.