Signs of a Damaged Water Heater That May Need Replacement

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When Is It Time to Replace the Water Heater?

Water heater damage is not always visible to the naked eye. If there are no obvious leaks or a lack of hot water, many homeowners assume their water heater is working as usual and isn’t at risk of breaking down. To prevent cold showers and a broken down water heater, homeowners should keep an eye out for signs water heater replacement is needed and not neglect it. 

Odd Smells and Appearance of Hot Water

corrosionIf the hot water coming from fixtures is discolored, cloudy looking, or has a strange odor, it may need to be replaced. A metallic smell and cloudy or rusty-looking water can be a sign of water heater corrosion. Corrosion, while common, is a serious problem for the water heater. 

Once corrosion and rust have built up over time, this may cause water to take on a reddish brown tint and odd smell. The destruction of metal from corrosion jeopardizes the entire water heater tank and can lead to frequent leaks and problems, so it often requires the water heater to be replaced.

Chilly Showers or Hot Water Runs Out Quicker

cold shower If household members must take shorter showers since hot water runs out quicker than it used to or there are any other water temperature problems, it results from water heater problems. It’s important to catch this problem early on, as neglecting these issues can cause the issue to get worse if it doesn’t need replacing already.

When water can only reach lukewarm temperatures, or there’s a decrease in hot water, it can indicate several problems with the water heater. There may be sediment buildup in the tank affecting the temperature, meaning water heater maintenance is needed, including flushing the hot water tank, or it could be a more serious problem requiring replacement. A plumber can inspect the unit and determine the best solution. 

Water Heater Is at the End of Its Lifespan or Needs Repairs Too Often 

Other signals that it’s time for water heater replacement are if it’s towards the end of its life expectancy or needs frequent repairs. When a water heater requires multiple repairs in a short period, it’s more cost-effective to replace it with a new energy-efficient water heater, especially if it’s older, as replacement will be needed soon anyway. 

Additionally, water heaters become more inefficient as they age and are more at risk of breaking down and needing replacement anyway, so it’s best to replace them before they break down entirely and the household loses hot water. Once storage water heaters are over 10 years old, it’s time to consider a replacement. On the other hand, tankless water heaters last longer, around 20 years, so replacements are needed less frequently. If it’s nearing that age, it’s time to consider a tankless water heater replacement. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has more than 35 years of experience serving Miami Lakes and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, no extra charges for overtime work, and personal attention. Call them today for water heater installation and repair services in Miami Lakes, FL. 

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Signs to Break Up With That Old Water Heater

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When is Water Heater Replacement Necessary?

As a homeowner, there comes a time when essential appliances need replacing. If a shower’s hot water has taken on an unexpected chill, it might be time to replace the water heater and return to enjoying warm showers and baths. But how would a homeowner know when precisely this life-saver of an appliance needs updating? This blog post will explain the common signs of a water heater malfunctioning and whether or not a repair is possible. 

Signs of Corrosion

corrosionCorrosion of water heaters is common for older models because it occurs over time and with a lack of maintenance, and it's important to keep an eye out for corrosion as a sign that the water heater may need replacing. If there’s rust on the tank, it's a sign of corrosion. It's important not to ignore this problem because if the corrosion is left unresolved, it could end up costing more in the long run because of leaks and water damage and because the worse the corrosion, the more likely a full replacement is needed. 

Depending on how bad the corrosion is and which components are involved, water heater replacement will need to be considered for the continued functionality of a home. To prevent corrosion, it is essential to get routine maintenance on the water heater. Maintenance tasks like flushing the tank and changing the anode rod are vital to preventing corrosion and extending the lifespan of a water heater. 

Water Does Not Heat When it Should

No one wants to wait around for water to heat only to find that it never will or to see a glimmer of hope with warm water only for it to turn cold quickly. If water from the water heater does not heat when it is supposed to, homeowners likely need to replace the water heater. This can seem daunting because of the cost, but replacing water heaters can be financially beneficial in the long run, thanks to their energy efficiency benefits. 

Old water heaters that don’t work efficiently anymore cost more in monthly water heating costs because they have to work harder for the same results due to the loss in efficiency. Upgrading to a new, high-efficiency water heating system with a fast recovery rate leads to decreased utility bills and will provide reliable hot water available around the clock. To maintain good efficiency in a water heater, regular water heater maintenance is crucial. 

Energy Bills Continue to Rise Without Explanation

If energy bills in the household are spiking without explanation, it may be time for a deeper investigation. If the energy bill spikes coincide with an old water heater unit or a water heater that hasn't been professionally maintained on a regular basis, the homeowner may want to look closer at the age and condition of that unit. 

Water heaters lose efficiency as they age, so if the unit is over ten years old and energy bills have risen, it’s time for a replacement. If a water heater is under five years old and is experiencing higher utility bills, it may point to neglected maintenance. A qualified plumber can help homeowners determine whether their water heaters can get by with repair and maintenance or need a replacement. Homeowners should contact their local plumber when they notice any of these signs. 

About Falcon Plumbing 

Falcon Plumbing has more than 30 years of experience as a family-owned business serving Miami, FL, and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, personal attention, and same-day service. Call them today for water heater services in Miami, FL.

Any Water Heater Would Love To Receive This Gift This Holiday Season

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Water Heater Repair Tips for the Holidays

Water heater repair is one of those unavoidable things that’s bound to happen sooner or later. In fact, heading off a water heater disaster is all about prevention and maintenance. But it can be hard to know when a water heater actually needs repairs. Aside from the obvious issue of the loss of hot water, it may be hard to tell something is wrong with the unit. And it can be even harder to know when replacement is required instead of simple repairs. Read on to find out how to tell the difference and when to give the gift of water heater repair. 

How To Know When a Water Heater Needs Repairs

The first indication that a water heater may need repair or replacing is its age. Ten years is the upper limit of a water heater’s age range. It’s not too hard to figure out how old a water heater is. If it’s not in the homeowner’s paperwork, contacting the manufacturer with the model and serial number is usually the best way to determine this. Next up is a leak around the water heater. Even a small leak is concerning and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Rust-colored water is another sign that it’s time for repair. But only if the discoloration of the hot water. If both hot and cold water is discolored, it may be an issue with the pipes or the water itself. Finally, strange noises from the heater are an indication that something is wrong. These noises include a high-pitched whine, banging, popping, or cracking sounds. 

Reasons Water Heaters Break Down in the First Place

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Water heaters can fail for a number of reasons. In the case of leaks, it could be because of high water pressure, a cracked tank, or a faulty part. Any system will start to break down eventually, but knowing how that happens can help homeowners stay ahead of the game. Corrosion is another issue that plagues water heaters. They have sacrificial anode rods that help keep corrosion from happening, but they eventually lose effectiveness. 

Lastly, sediment buildup is unavoidable in the tank of a water heater. When the water is heated, the sediment separates and settles in the tank. Flushing the water heater regularly helps to keep the sediment buildup from getting out of hand. 

When To Consider Water Heater Replacement

The good news is that water heaters aren’t all that expensive to replace. If a water heater is over ten years old (or getting close to it) and needs a repair, the homeowner is probably better off simply replacing the system. Otherwise, the issues will crop up more and more often, and so will the repair costs. 

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When a water heater begins to leak from the inside, it’s time for a replacement. The difficulty lies in determining where the leak is coming from. A cracked tank is not replaceable and requires that a new unit be brought in. This is why homeowners should call a professional if they believe they are dealing with a cracked tank. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has been helping folks in Miami, FL, with their plumbing needs for over 25 years. They provide 24/7 emergency service for no extra charge. They also offer upfront pricing, excellent workmanship, and superb customer service. Call Flacon Plumbing for water heater services in Miami.

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