Is Your Water Heater about to Fail?
If your water heater is 12 years old, it is likely no longer under warranty and is heading toward the end of its lifespan. It could go for another several years, and we’ve heard reports of natural gas water heaters that have lasted longer. Some homeowners go ahead and replace with new equipment at this point. Others wait until the equipment fails and then suffer the inconvenience of several days without hot water for showering, dishwashing, and laundry until the replacement can be installed.
You can avoid the “wait till it dies” option by looking out for the following conditions:
#1 RUST AND CORROSION
Check your tank for rust or corrosion. Most hot water tanks are made out of steel and will eventually rust. You may even notice rust in your hot water when it’s drawn from the tap.
If you find rust or corrosion by the temperature and pressure relief valve, and/or the water inlet and outlet connections, it’s a good indication that your tank is rusting and needs to be replaced.
Unfortunately, there’s not a way to repair a tank once it starts to rust and corrode. If your water heater has not started to leak yet, it’ll only be a matter of time before it does.
#2 THE DRAIN VALVE DOES NOT DRAIN WATER
Over time, sediment builds and settles inside the bottom of the water heater’s tank. If you have a gas water heater, you may have noticed a popping sound when the burner ignites. This is an indication that there’s sediment build-up.
However, regardless of the fuel source, sediment build-up is a problem for both electric and gas water heaters. As it accumulates, it can clog the drain valve, and over time, it will even break down the interior of the steel tank.
Flushing your water heater once a year will remove the sediment and help prevent damage to the tank, as well as extend the life of your water heater. If you’re not regularly flushing your tank, the sediment will build up and eventually cause some serious problems.
It should be noted that in severe cases, leaks can develop when the sediment is agitated during the draining process.
There’s always the possiblity that the sediment build-up may have reached a point where the tank can no longer be drained. When this is the case, you should replace your water heater.
#3 THE HOT WATER TANK IS LEAKING
A leak from the hot water tank is usually caused by an internal problem and is rarely repairable. Follow these steps to see if you can determine where the leak is originating:
Not every small puddle of water found at the base of your water heater is due to a leak. Condensation can form on the pipes and appliances surrounding your water heater. As the condensation accumulates, it’ll drip and pool on the floor. This is especially common in basements, or during damp weather.
If you find the leak is coming from the tank itself, you’ll most likely need to replace your water heater. To prevent further water damage, turn OFF both the water and power to the water heater. Then call a professional plumber to install a new unit.
You may want to consider installing a tankless water heater. They are far more energy efficient and have a considerably longer service life.
#4 THE WATER IS LUKEWARM OR COLD
Something is clearly wrong if you find your water isn’t as hot as it once was, or worse, it isn’t hot at all. It’s time to call a plumber.