The water heater in your Normal, IL home would last forever in an ideal world. Unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way, and your water heater needs to be replaced after eight to ten years. When the unit reaches the end of its lifespan, it won’t function as efficiently as possible and can cause your energy bills to increase. In addition, the age of the water heater can affect the temperature of the water and can make it unsafe for use.
The unit’s lifespan is a guideline, and your water heater can fail before it’s ten years old or lasts longer than ten years. Because you can’t be sure, it’s essential to recognize the signs it’s time for a water heater replacement. If you can detect the signs early, you can have the unit replaced before it breaks down completely, leaving you without hot water.
If the water heater in your home experiences any of the following problems, you should call a professional in water heater replacement.
#1 You Have No Hot Water
A lack of hot water can be due to fuel source issues or a faulty heating element. However, this problem can also occur when the unit reaches the end of its lifespan and no longer has enough power to heat the water in the tank. In this case, a heater replacement is necessary to restore your hot water.
#2 The Water Isn’t Hot Enough
Several issues can prevent the water coming from the faucets and showerheads in your home from getting hot enough. The thermostat could be set incorrectly or could be failing. If your water heater has two heating elements, one may have failed, and the remaining heating element doesn’t have the power to heat the water supply to the desired temperature.
The problem could also be due to the water heater’s age. If the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, it won’t have the power to heat the water supply. If this is the reason the water isn’t getting hot enough, a water heater installation will be necessary for the water to reach the desired temperature.
#3 You Frequently Run Out of Hot Water
Running out of hot water can be very frustrating, and running out of hot water in the middle of a shower is a terrible way to start the day. If you are the last one in the shower or the washing machine and dishwasher run while in the shower, it’s not uncommon to run out of hot water. If this is the problem, installing a larger water heater or a tankless unit will solve the problem. However, if your family’s hot water demand hasn’t changed, it may be time for a water heater replacement.
Over time, sediment can build up inside the water tank, and when large pieces of sediment form, it will take up space meant for water storage, causing you to run out quickly.
In some cases, a plumber can flush the sediment; however, a water heater replacement will be necessary when there is so much in the tank that it affects the amount of water stored.
#4 Strange Sounds Coming From the Unit
The water heater in your home should be whisper quiet when it runs, and a banging or popping sound often means it’s time for a water heater replacement.
Banging sounds typically indicate large pieces of sediment in the tank that bang against the sides. When the sediment buildup is this severe, a plumber likely can’t flush it from the tank. If you try to ignore the problem, the sediment can crack the tank causing 50+ gallons of water to flood your home, and a heater replacement is essential.
A popping sound also indicates sediment in the tank. When water gets trapped underneath, it will boil, creating a popping sound, letting you know it’s time to replace the water heater.
#5 Leaks
A leak in the water tank is serious because the water will continue leaking, causing water damage and mold growth around the unit. Unfortunately, cracks in the water tank cannot be repaired, and an emergency water heater replacement is crucial in protecting your home and belongings.
#6 Poor Hot Water Pressure
Adequate water pressure is essential to your daily life. If the water pressure is reduced, your water-based appliances won’t function as well as they should, and simple everyday tasks can take longer than necessary.
If the cold water pressure is fine and the hot water pressure is reduced, it’s time for a heater replacement.
When sediment builds up in the unit, it can clog the waterline. A plumber specializing in heater replacement can clear the waterline; however, if you don’t replace the unit in your Normal, IL home, sediment will clog the line again, resulting in another call to the plumber. In most cases, the sediment cannot be flushed; therefore, a water heater replacement is necessary to restore the water flow.
#7 Rust-colored Hot Water
The hot water coming from the taps in your Normal, IL home should be clean and clear. If the cold water is clear and the hot water is rust-colored, your water heater is to blame.
When sediment builds up in the water tank, it can break apart and contaminate the water. If a plumber can’t flush the sediment, you will need to replace the water heater.
If the unit is over ten years old, the inside of the tank could be breaking down. When this happens, sediment and small pieces of metal will contaminate the water, and a heater replacement will be necessary.
It’s unsafe to use contaminated water, so you shouldn’t use the hot water until a plumber has replaced the water heater. If you have to use the water, you should boil it first.
Call Covenant Plumbing Today
If it’s time for a water heater replacement, call Covenant Plumbing. We are a family-owned and operated, full-service plumbing company serving customers since 2006.
We have earned an excellent reputation in the community since we first opened our doors and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We also have a 5-star rating on Google, and in 2021, we won first place in the Best of Readers’ Choice Award.
Our plumbers have undergone thousands of hours of professional training and have the knowledge, experience, and skill to handle any plumbing problem. In addition, our plumbers are experts in water heater replacement, installation, maintenance, and repair.
To schedule an appointment for a water heater replacement or any other plumbing service, give us a call today.
