“Should I have my water heater repaired or is it time I have it replaced?” This is a common question that many property owners ask. Owing to the fact that we all need a fully functional and reliable water heater, especially during winter, it’s important for us to know when our water heater needs repair and when it’s time to buy a new one.
Fortunately, there are companies that offer water heater tank replacement services in Salt Lake City and other nearby areas. These service providers can also perform diagnostic work on the entire water heater to see if it can still be fixed or if we really have to spend on a brand-new unit.
But how do you know that a replacement is already needed? Here are five signs your water heater needs immediate replacement:
Leaks
Water heaters have a limited service life, usually lasting for about 10 years or so. Over time, minerals contained in water react with the steel material of which most water heaters are made of. Such chemical reaction ultimately corrodes the water heater tank and causes visible leaks. In such a case, troubleshooting the problem through repair may not do the trick and only replacement is the logical course of action.
Cold/lukewarm water from the faucets
The water heater is there for a sole purpose: to heat water up so we can enjoy a nice bath during cold days or winter nights. With this in mind, a water heater may already be up for replacement when the water that’s coming from the faucets are as cold as ice or as lukewarm as a cloudy day. Such an indication is quite abnormal for functional water so when you observe it, then you should immediately contact your trusted plumber to confirm your hunch.
Periodic repair jobs
If you’ve been calling your plumber to help fix your water heater for different or similar problems, then it might be the time for you to have the entire thing replaced. You see, one or two repairs may be considered normal. However, if you’ve been spending serious cash on frequent water heater repairs, then it would be better to just scrap the troubleshooting spree and invest in a brand-new and high-quality water heater from a reputable brand.
Visible rust or metallic taste/smell
The water coming out of your faucets should be odorless, colorless, and tasteless at any given time. As such, you should sound the alarm once you noticed that the water appears rusty or has a metallic odor and taste to it. Such observable signs are typically indicators of a rusty water heater tank, in which case you should quickly stop using it and have your plumber replace it with a new one.
Rumbling noise
Through sheer age, sediments will build up at the bottom of the water heater tank and will harden eventually. When the water heater gets activated, the buildup will hit the walls of the tank and will be very noticeable. The noise is a clear indication that the water heater is already past its service life and should be replaced as soon as possible.
Be sure to call the attention of your trusted plumber once you observe any of these signs. Your plumber has the tools and expertise to accurately determine whether or not your water heater should be replaced. This way, guesswork is eliminated and you can decide what to do properly.
