While you may not think about your water heater very much, chances are you’ll notice the difference if you step into your shower and yours has stopped working. That’s why Guardian Plumbers provides quality water heater repairs, upgrades and replacements, if needed.
Yet even the most well-maintained water heaters don’t last forever. Keep reading to learn when you should replace your water heater, and contact Guardian today for quality plumbing service in Wildomar.
How You Know It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater
- Your water heater is old: Knowing how old your water heater is happens to be one of the most critical parts in knowing when to replace it. You can find the age on your unit by examine the manufacturer’s sticker located on the upper part of your water heater for the serial number. Usually, the second 2 digits in this code are the last 2 digits in the year the heater was manufactured. The average warranty on most water heaters is 6 years, however, a water heater which receives regular service can last up to 10 or more. If your water heater is over a decade old, you should call a professional to have it replaced as soon as possible to avoid a possible flood.
- Your water is rusty: Rusty water is never a good sign when it comes to your plumbing equipment. If you find that rusty water is coming out of your pipes whenever you use hot water in your home, there is a good chance that the water heater itself is rusting on the inside. Not only is this bad because you shouldn’t drink rusty water, it also means that your unit is breaking down, and it may soon spring a leak. To make sure it is your water heater and not your pipes which are rusting, drain a few buckets of hot water out of the heater. If, after several buckets, the water continues to come out rusty, it is more than likely that your water heater is in need of replacement.
- Your water heater is making strange noises: Deposits inevitably build up at the bottom of your water heater’s tank overtime. As these deposits are heated, they will start to harden. You can hear banging or rumbling sounds as this happens. When your system begins to make these noises on a regular basis, that usually means it’s time to get it replaced. Sediment at the bottom of your water heater tends to mean your system is becoming less energy-efficient, and will use more gas or electricity to heat your water. This extra energy is also hard on your heater’s metal tank, and may cause it to spring a leak in the near future.
- Your water heater has sprung a leak: This is what you most need to look out for when it comes to replacing your water heater. As the unit heats up water, the metal tank expands, which can exacerbate small cracks, causing water to seep out. If you find the base of your water heater to be damp or moist, call Guardian right away to avoid water damage to the surrounding area. If it’s just the pipe connections that have fractured, Guardian may be able to replace specific components separately.
- Your water smells: If your water heater smells, it is likely because anaerobic bacteria is present in your water, and reacting with sulfur and the magnesium and aluminum sacrificial anodes that come with most water heaters to produce hydrogen sulfide gas. Usually, you do not have to replace your whole system if this is the problem, just the magnesium and aluminum rods. However, if this problem is compounded with any of the issues discussed above, you may need to replace the whole water heater.
- Your water heater is located in an unsafe place: Issues with your water heater can be exacerbated by the unit’s placement. Code requires it be elevated off the ground when located in an area where any combustibles can be stored. This can actually be an explosion hazard and should be treated as extremely dangerous and an immediate hazard.
- Your gas or electric bills keep going up, and you’re not using more water: As mentioned above, older, broken down water heaters have to use more gas or electricity to keep your water warm. If you find your gas or electric bills rising without using more water, you should consider replacing your old unit with an energy-efficient unit.
Contact Guardian Plumbers Today for all Your Water Heater Replacement Needs
Whether you’re looking to replace your old water heater or want to explore tankless units, Guardian Plumbers has your back. Department store water heaters tend not to last long and can be difficult to find parts for. When you need a modern, energy-efficient water heater, our Guardian plumbers are here to deliver.
Remember, it’s always better to replace sooner rather than later, as the longer you wait the greater chance there is for your water heater to fail, not only depriving you of hot water but causing additional damage to the rest of your home. Luckily for you, the experts at Guardian Plumbing offer a range of top-of-the-line water heaters at great prices, with affordable financing available to fit any budget.
Call us today at 951-463-5861 to schedule water replacement service.
