Water Heater Replacement: When Is It Needed?

Make Sure the Water Heater Is Functional Throughout the Winter!

A home’s water heater makes a huge difference in the comfort level and the house’s cleanliness. If it is not functioning well, clothes are more likely to smell, dishes are less likely to be clean, and people will be frustrated in their daily ablutions. Whether a home has a traditional or tankless storage water heater, there is no substitute for a fully functional water heating system. 

This article will discuss three ways homeowners can tell that they may need new water heater installation, including temperature issues, leaks, and the age of the unit.

Sign #1: Temperature Inconsistency

People expect consistency in their appliances, and the water heater is no different. A homeowner expects the water heater to produce water at a certain temperature and to maintain it for quite a while. If there are problems with inconsistent temperature, it may be a sign the water heater needs to be replaced. Some of the symptoms that may occur include:

• Hot water does not last as long as it should
• The temperature never quite reaches the set level (too cool)
• The recovery time for the tank water heater is longer than normal
• Temperature fluctuations not related to water usage

These problems indicate that a trained plumbing professional should inspect the water heater. Maintenance may solve the problem, but replacement may be needed.

Sign #2: Water Leaking

A tank water heater stores many gallons of water, and the possibility of leaks is ever present, as it is along any of the pipes that make up the water supply and sewage system. Leaking can indicate major issues and should be dealt with immediately before it causes structural damage to the home. Leaking may indicate one of the issues in the list below.

• Corrosion: The tank can lose its integrity by breaking down the metal that makes up the storage tank. This can result from damage, lack of maintenance, and hard water scale.
• PRV Malfunction: The PRV or pressure release valve is very important to the water heater’s integrity, function, and safety, and leakage can indicate that it is not doing its job.
• Loose pipes: If joint connections have come loose, leaks can occur, affecting the heater’s overall function and damaging it if too much water is lost.

Some of these issues can be corrected, but some leaks require replacement.

Sign #3: Corrosion That Can Come With Age

Corrosion was mentioned as a cause for leaks, but there is much more to it because it is a process that cannot be reversed. If there is corrosion on the interior of the hot water tank, it will affect how well the unit works and can eventually cause leaks even beyond the potential problems for the water. 

Corrosion cannot be fully repaired, and corroded tanks are waiting to cause problems. Water heaters over ten years old have had plenty of wear and tear, even though they have made little to no ruckus over their decade of existence. Parts can be difficult to find and extremely expensive, so replacement may be the best option.

About Henco Plumbing Services

The reliable, customer-oriented professionals of Henco Plumbing Services serve the Ridgefield, WA, community and the surrounding areas. They are known for their trustworthy technicians, who offer same-day repair and replacement and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call today for water heater replacements in Ridgefield, WA.

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