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The water heater in your Normal, IL home is one of your most essential appliances. If your water heater isn’t functioning properly, simple daily tasks like showering, cooking, and cleaning will be impossible. In addition, your washing machine and dishwasher rely on hot water to function properly. If you are having issues with your water heater, you should call a plumber specializing in water heaters. When they come to your home, they will determine whether your water heater can be repaired or if you will need a water heater replacement. If your water heater is experiencing any of the issues listed below, there is a good chance it will need to be replaced.
#1 Your Water Heater Is Over 10 Years Old
Like every appliance in your home, your water heater won’t last forever. On average, a traditional tank water heater lasts between 8 and 12 years. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it won’t work as efficiently and will require frequent repairs. Rather than spending money on multiple repairs, it is best to invest in a new water heater. This makes more sense financially because the cost of frequent repairs can add up.
#2 Rusty Colored Water
If you notice that your hot water coming from the taps and showerheads in your Normal, IL home has a rusty tint, it might be time for a water heater replacement. Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of your water tank. When the water heats up, the sediment can break up, leaving rust particles in the water, causing the rusty color. It is not safe to use rusty water for cooking, bathing, or drinking; therefore, you should contact a plumber specializing in water heaters. If there is too much sediment at the bottom of the tank for the plumber to remove, you will need to invest in a new water heater. Until the issue is resolved, it is best to boil the water before using it.
#3 No Hot Water
If you aren’t getting hot water from the taps in your home, even when it is turned on full-blast, you should call a plumber who works with water heaters. To avoid paying a costly service call, there are a few things you should check.
- If you have an electric water heater, make sure a circuit doesn’t trip, and you are getting power to the water heater.
- If your water heater runs on natural gas, make sure the pilot light is lit, and your gas bill has been paid. You should also check with a neighbor to be sure there isn’t a widespread outage.
- If your water heater runs on oil, make sure the pilot light is lit, and you have oil in the tank.
If everything checks out and you still have no hot water, you should call a plumber specializing in water heaters. There is a good chance that the heating elements have failed, and your water heater has reached the end of its lifespan. The only way to get your hot water running again is to schedule an appointment for a new water heater.
#4 Foul Smelling Water
If you turn on the hot water in your home and it smells like rotten eggs, it is likely time for a water heater replacement. When sediment builds up in the bottom of the tank, and warm water is left in the tank too long, sulfate bacteria can build up in the bottom of the tank, causing a foul odor. This issue often cannot be repaired, and a new water heater will be necessary.
#5 You Are Running Out Of Hot Water Quickly
If you find that you are running out of hot water faster than usual, it may be time for a water heater replacement. There are two issues that can be causing the problem.
The first is an increase in your hot water demand. If a new family member has moved into your home, your hot water demand will increase. The same is true if you recently installed a washing machine or dishwasher in your home. If your existing water heater cannot handle your hot water demand, you should consider a new water heater and purchase one with a larger tank. You can also go with a tankless water heater. These water heaters aren’t like traditional models that keep heated water stored in a tank. Instead, they provide hot water on-demand, which will prevent you from running out of hot water. You will also be able to take a shower when the washing machine and dishwasher are running, and you won’t need to worry about taking a cold shower.
When you schedule an appointment for a water heater replacement, the plumber can discuss your options, allowing you to choose the best water heater to meet your needs and that fits within your budget.
#6 Strange Sounds
A properly functioning water heater should run quietly. At most, you will hear a low-level humming. If you hear strange sounds coming from the water heater, it may be time for a water heater replacement. If you hear loud cracks or popping sounds, there could be mineral buildup on the heating elements, which often cannot be repaired. A clanging sound also signifies that it is time for a water heater replacement. Large pieces of sediment in the tank can bang against the sides, causing the racket. In most cases, large pieces of sediment cannot be removed, and a new water heater is necessary. If you ignore the problem, the sediment can crack the water heater, resulting in a flood.
Why Choose Covenant Plumbing?
If the water heater in your Normal, IL home is acting up, and you suspect it is time for a water heater replacement, schedule an appointment with Covenant Plumbing. We have been serving customers in the area since 2006, and since then, we have earned an excellent reputation in the community and the industry. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 5-star rating on Google. In 2020, Best Of Readers Choice awarded us second place.
Our plumbers are highly trained, highly qualified, and licensed. This should give you peace of mind that we can handle any job you throw at us.
If it is time for a water heater replacement, we can go over all of your options, allowing you to choose the best type and model to meet your needs.
To schedule an appointment, give us a call today.
