Making sure you have hot water when you’re ready to take a shower is great but it’s usually one of those items that’s never really thought about until there is a problem. For most water heater problems the water simply stops getting hot and you know something is wrong. But there are other problems that can occur with your water heater which means you need a new water heater in Downriver Michigan or at least water heater repair.
Problems That May Mean You Need a New Water Heater in Downriver Michigan
One of the biggest problems that can occur with your water heater is when it starts to leak. Since the tanks on water heater are made of metal they can rust and over time holes can develop in these rust spots. Normally when a water heater starts to leak it’s a very small amount at first. Most water heaters are placed in a area that has a pan under them in case this happens. If you can easily access the water heater keep checking on this pan and see if there is water in it. If so, it can mean your water heater is leaking which would mean it needs to be replaced. The pan will hold a small leak but as the leak gets larger it will overflow the pan and start to cause water damage in your home. During this time you’ll likely still have hot water like you should.
How Old is Your Water Heater
Most water heaters are not designed to last for decades. Instead the average lifespan of a water heater is around 12 years. Most of the warranties for water heaters are 8 to 10 years depending on the brand you select. As the water heater gets older it can start to show signs of problems such as rusting away in the tank which can end up leaking.
Have Your Water Tested
If you’re unsure about the state of your water it’s a good idea to have it tested. Hard water can lead to all sorts of problems with a water heater. This is especially true if you have a tankless water heater. As calcium, lime, and other compounds build up in your water heater it can lead to all sorts of problems. Regularly checking your water can help to determine if this may be a threat to your water heater and if so it can significantly shorten the lifespan of the water heater.
Have You Noticed Pieces of Plastic in Your Hot Water
There are pipes inside of your water heater which are made from plastic and PVC. Sometimes these pipes can become brittle and break off on the inside of the heater. This can mean uneven heating of the water and you may even notice bits and pieces of plastic which come through your hot water pipes. They may even clog up sink erators as well. If you’ve noticed any problem like this its best to have a plumber check the water heater for dip tube problems.
Hot Water Running Out Quickly
Having hot water doesn’t mean your water heater is good. Most water heaters today have two heating elements. When one of these elements go bad it can cause the water to be hot at first but run out quickly as cold water is introduced into the tank. The water from your faucet may only come out luke warm as well and never really get hot like it should. This can be a sign of problems with your water heater elements or thermostats. Either will need to be replaced.
Your Energy Bill is Higher
Keep an eye on your energy bill and water bill which may indicate a problem with your water heater. Also look for signs of water under your home which may indicate a leak which can be coming from the water heater. If you’re concerned that your water heater is using too much power it’s best to get it checked by a reputable plumbing company.
Call a Qualified Plumber for Water Heater Repair or Replacement
While there are lots of tutorials and videos that display installing your own water heater it’s certainly not the best idea. It’s best to call a certified plumber to install, repair, or check your water heater and ensure it’s done correctly. Call the experts at Downriver Plumbers today at (734) 548-9925 for water heater repair or replacement in Downriver Michigan.
