Signs It’s Time for a New Water Heater
One of your most important, but often times overlooked appliances is your water heater. If you think about it, you use your water heater constantly in your house. From washing dishes to taking a bath, your water heater is almost always in use. This is why it is so important that you pay close attention to your water heater and ensure that you take good care of it. Since it is usually hidden in a closet, basement, or attic, however, many people forget about it. Keep reading to find out what to look for when you are expecting to need a new water heater!
How Old Is Your Water Heater?
First, you should consider the age of your water heater. Most water heaters last anywhere from eight to ten years before they must be replaced. If you have yearly maintenance done, you may get your water heater to last for a few years longer. Once your water heater has passed 10 years of age, however, you should begin to budget for a new replacement one. Check the age of your water heater by checking the serial number on the manufacturer sticker. The first two numbers designate the year of manufacture.
Cold Water
The earliest sign that your water heater is on its last legs is if your water begins to run cold earlier that you expect it to. Do not ignore this when you notice it! Have a plumber come out to do an inspection right away when you notice your showers getting colder. Being proactive and nipping this problem in the bud can save you lots of time and money in the long run.
Noise
You should never be able to hear your water heater; if you do, then it means that something is probably wrong. Rumbling or banging noises from your water heater means bad things. If this begins to happen, call a trained professional as soon as possible because your water heater probably needs to be repaired or replaced.
Rusty Water
When you turn the hot tap on, if your water runs yellow or brown, it may mean that your water heater is rusting from the inside. There are steps you can take to prevent rusting like adding a zinc anode rod to your water heater, but there is really no way to save it once it has already begun to rust. Instead of waiting for more damage to be done, call Metcalf Plumbing and we will help you out.
Questions? Metcalf Plumbing is Here to Help!
If you still have questions regarding your leaky faucet, Metcalf Plumbing is here to help you out. We service clients throughout Catonsville, Ellicott City, and surrounding areas. Not only are we not commission-based, but we provide you with honest, upfront costs plus a thorough inspection of your system and a list of suggested next steps. Call one of our trained technicians at 410-242-311. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!