Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home—it provides hot water for cooking, cleaning, and bathing. But like any appliance, it eventually wears out and needs to be replaced. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s probably time for a new one. Here are 8 signs that indicate you need a new water heater in Mesquite, TX:
- Your water heater is making strange noises:
If you are hearing strange noises from the water heater, it could be a sign that the tank is starting to fail. Strange noises are caused by Sediment build-up on the bottom of the tank. Sediment can act as an insulator, causing the water at the bottom of the tank to overheat and create steam. This steam can build up pressure, leading to banging and popping noises as the pressure tries to escape. If you notice these noises, it’s important to have your water heater checked by a professional water heater repair company in Mesquite, TX as soon as possible.
- You have to keep resetting the temperature: If you find yourself constantly having to adjust the thermostat on your water heater, it could be a sign that the heating element is beginning to fail. Over time, the element can become corroded or damaged, which can prevent it from generating enough heat to keep the water at the desired temperature. In some cases, the element may need to be replaced. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always call a qualified technician to take care of it for you. In the meantime, try setting the thermostat a few degrees lower than usual to see if that helps extend the life of the heating element.
- The water isn’t as hot as it used to be:
If you notice that the water coming out of your taps isn’t as hot as it used to be, the heating element in your water heater is likely beginning to fail. In most cases, the element will need to be replaced to restore full functionality to the appliance.
- The water heater is leaking:
A leaky water heater is a serious problem and should be addressed immediately. If you notice any water pooling around your water heater, it’s important to shut off the power and call a qualified technician right away. Leaks can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from corrosion to sediment build-up. In some cases, the entire tank may need to be replaced.
- There’s rust in the water:
If you notice rust in the water coming from your taps, the tank of your water heater is likely beginning to corrode. Over time, the tank can develop holes and cracks, which can lead to leaks. In most cases, a rusty water heater will need to be replaced.
- The water has a strange odor:
If the water coming from your taps has a strange odor, it’s probably due to bacteria build-up in the tank. This can happen if the water heater isn’t used often or if it isn’t properly maintained. In most cases, flushing the tank will get rid of the bacteria and the odor. However, if the problem persists, you may need to replace the entire water heater.
- The pilot light keeps going out:
If your water heater has a pilot light, this must stay lit at all times. If the pilot light keeps going out, it could be a sign that there is something wrong with the gas line or venting system. In some cases, simply relighting the pilot light will do the trick. However, if the problem persists, you’ll need to call a qualified technician to take a look at your water heater.
- You can’t remember the last time you replaced the anode rod:
The anode rod is a crucial part of your water heater, as it helps to prevent corrosion. Over time, however, the anode rod will eventually corrode away. Once this happens, the tank is vulnerable to corrosion. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced the anode rod, it’s probably time to do so. Replacing the anode rod is a simple process that can be done by most homeowners.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to call a qualified technician to take a look at your water heater. In some cases, the problem can be easily fixed. However, in other cases, you may need to replace the entire appliance. James Armstrong Plumbing is a leading water heater repair company in Mesquite, TX. We have several years of experience repairing and replacing water heaters. Contact us today at 214-918-6109 to schedule a consultation.