Warning Signs That You Need A Hot Water Heater Replacement
Everyone knows that a hot water heater should last for 10 years or more, right? Well, not so fast. In fact, many homeowners are only using their hot water heaters for about 5 or 6 years before they need to replace them. Here are some warning signs that you need to replace your hot water heater: Your water is coming out cold all the time Your water is coming out scalding Your water is coming out smelling bad You can hear your hot water heater running all the time You have to wait a long time for your hot water to heat up There’s a lot of steam coming out of your faucet One of these things isn’t really that unusual- but if you start seeing more than one of these signs, it’s time to get a new hot water heater.
Checking if your hot water heater is on
If your hot water heater isn’t working properly, you might not be getting the hot water you need. Here are a few warning signs that you need to check if your hot water heater is on:
-You’re only getting warm water from the faucet or shower – If the water isn’t hot, it may be because your tank is low on water or there’s something blocking the heat coming from the unit.
-Your home smells like gas – If there’s gas in your home, it could mean that there’s something leaking in the line between your meter and your tank. Check for leaks and repair them if necessary.
-Your home is too cold – If you’re constantly having to turn up the heat to make water heated up, there may be a problem with your furnace or heating system. Have an expert look at it to diagnose the issue.
-You see water bill spikes – If you’re seeing large spikes in your water bill, there may be something wrong with your heater. Have an expert take a look to see if it needs to be replaced.
If any of these signs are present, it’s time to have a professional check your hot water heater.
Checking the tank pressure
If your water heater is not providing hot water as it should, there are a few things you can do to check the pressure. The first thing to do is turn off the main water line to the house and turn on the faucet in each of the bathrooms. If the pressure in any of the bathrooms goes up then the water heater is most likely the problem. If all of the bathrooms have low pressure, then it’s possible that a valve on one of your tanks has gone bad. To test this, you can try closing off one of your valves and see if that causes an increase in pressure in any of your tanks. If you don’t have a manual water heater, then you can use a home insurance agent or plumber to help you determine which tank needs to be replaced.
Checking the flues and chimneys
If you notice any of the following warning signs that you need a hot water heater replacement, it’s time to get your home heating system checked:
-Your water is cold even when the thermostat is set to the appropriate temperature
-You see smoke or sparks coming from your chimney
-The flues and chimneys are dirty and blackened
If any of these signs are present, it’s important to call a professional. A broken gas line or a clogged fireplace can both cause your home heating system to break down, which will require expensive repairs.
Checking the water heaters insulation
The insulation on your water heater may be deteriorating and need to be replaced. Here are some warning signs that you need to replace your water heater insulation:
-Your water heater is making loud noises when it’s in use
-Your water is starting to smell strange
-You’re noticing a decrease in the efficiency of your water heater
-Your water heater is leaking water
If any of these signs are present, it’s time to have your water heater inspected and possibly replaced.
Testing the water heaters elements
If your water heater’s elements are not heating up the water, it may be time for a replacement. Here are some warning signs that you need a hot water heater replacement:
1. Your water is lukewarm or cool to the touch.
2. You have to wait for a long time for the water to heat up.
3. You notice that the new water heater takes longer to heat up than your old one did.
4. You see brown residue on the inside of your hot water tank or filter.
5. The hot water comes out of your faucet very quickly, but then gradually declines in temperature over time.
6. There is a persistent hissing or roaring sound when the water is running.
7. Your water heater has been in your home for a long time and it’s starting to show signs of wear and tear.
If any of the above signs are present, it may be time for a water heater replacement.
Replacing the hot water heater
If you’re having trouble getting hot water from your shower, your hot water heater may be the issue. Follow these simple steps to replace your hot water heater:
1. Turn off the main breaker that supplies power to the home.
2. Detach the supply line from the hot water tank. You will need a wrench or pliers to do this.
3. Cut off the supply line below the cold water inlet on the new hot water heater. You can use a bucket and a long string to reach it.
4. Connect the supply line from the old hot water tank to the new hot water tank. Make sure that you match up the cold and hot water inlets on both tanks.
5. Reconnect all of the pieces of plumbing, making sure that they are tight against each other.
6. Turn on the main breaker and wait for the hot water to come on. If there are any errors, please call a professional.
7. Enjoy your new hot water heater!