Water heaters give us loads of hot steamy water UNTIL the day they stop working and you find out a Water Heater in Allentown, PA does not last forever. It is better to be on the lookout for these clues before you have to take that icy cold shower or you come home to a soaked floor. Luckily, there are some tell-tale clues you can watch out for to warn you of problems. Once you notice the clues, you have to figure out what to do: Replace or repair?
The Age of Your Water Heater
If you are having water heater issues and your water heater is only a couple years old, repair is most likely indicated. If your storage-tank conventional heater is coming close to the end of its 10-15 year life span, a replacement is more likely.
Leakage Around Your Tank
This is usually a clear clue that your Water Heater in Allentown, PA needs to be replaced. Repair isn’t as likely because a leak usually means your tank is corroding or has an internal failure. However, let a plumber properly diagnose this by carefully draining and assessing the tank.
Your Water is Rusty
Dirt or rust or sediment will inevitably build up on the bottom of your tank. Eventually, this will show up as rust colored water or rust stains will form in your sink or tub. This usually indicates a tank flush is needed, but could also be a warning of a future water heater failure.
A Noisy Tank
Noise such as knocking, whining, banging or creaking come from the build-up of sediment in your tank being burned off by the heating element. A tank flush can solve this. If the noises remain, it may be time to replace the heating element.
Odd Tasting Water
If your hot water has a metallic taste or smell, this could indicate a repair or replacement is needed.
Here are a few simple things you can do to help your water heater last longer:
* Once a year, have your tank flushed to remove sediment.
* Get the anode or sacrificial rod checked every 3 years. It can get eaten away or caked from corrosive elements.
Expertly services and maintains water heaters. If a replacement is indicated, they can recommend better built energy-efficient models that will save you money.
