When Is the Right Time To Replace the Water Heater?
A water heater tends to run fine for a few years and then starts having trouble. It may seem like the trouble comes without warning, but that is only because most people don't know exactly what they're looking for when it comes to failing water heaters. Luckily, learning the signs of a failing water heater is relatively easy. Here is a quick guide from local water heater repair specialists to help homeowners have advanced notice of water heater problems.
What Is Corrosion?
Corrosion is a natural process that occurs in refined metals. All metals come from a natural ore that is contaminated with impurities. Most of these impurities are oxides of the base metal that make them useless. Only when the metal is refined is it pure enough to be formed into pipes. Unfortunately, the metals want to return to their natural state through corrosion.
During corrosion, oxygen attacks the base metal in the presence of water. Since water heaters are particularly vulnerable to corrosion, they are lined with a special lining and have an anode rod to reduce the effects of corrosion. Over time, these two protective measures will degrade to the point that corrosion attacks the tank and nearby piping. This can be evident by noticing the following:
- Green deposits on copper piping
- White deposits around pipe joints
- Run on the outer jacket of the water heater
- Green or red-hued water
- Water that has an odor
Once corrosion attacks the water heater, the damage cannot be reversed. Water heater replacement is the only effective solution.
Why Is There No Hot Water?
It takes effort to keep track of the signs that water heater repairs are needed. Perhaps the easiest sign to spot is a reduction in the water heater's volume. Over time, the water heater will lose efficiency and thus the ability to keep up with the demand.
If several appliances are in use or family members take showers in succession, the water heater may run out of hot water as it ages. If this starts to happen, it is a clear sign that professional attention is needed. Often, simple water heater maintenance can solve this problem, but water heater repairs may be needed if the unit is older.
Old Age and High Repair Costs
A water heater is expected to last for about ten years. Tankless water heaters may last 20 years. At this point, it will need more repairs, and the loss of efficiency will be apparent in energy bills. With rising upkeep costs, water heater replacement becomes more attractive. With a new, more efficient water heater and routine water heater maintenance, homeowners can lower their monthly bills and get access to more hot water. Professional plumbers are the best people to call if a water heater is starting to show any of these signs. They can perform repairs or quickly swap out water heaters so families can return to regular life.
About VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc.
VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc. offers same-day service for plumbing emergencies like water heater repairs. Their teams perform repairs and maintenance with straightforward pricing and honest service. Call today for plumbing repairs in Chicago, IL.
