4 Signs You Need A New Water Heater

Water Heaters are a vital system in your home, if they suddenly stop working, you are in for a bad time. We went over what you should consider when buying one here, but now we want to discuss how you know when you need a new water heater. When it comes to plumbing Saskatoon, or in this case, heating your water, Action Plumbing and Heating has a wealth of knowledge we would love to share with you. Here are 4 signs you need a new water heater:

Age of the Water Heater

On average a water heater will last 10-15 years, if you don’t know how old your water heater is, there is a way you can tell. On some brands if you look at the manufacturer's serial number on the tank, you will see something like this “D061052638”. D stands for the 4th month, the letters are sequential to their spot in the alphabet. So A=January, B=February, C= March and so on. The 06 stands for the year, so if your heater has anything lower than 11-07 (2011-2007), you should think about replacing it. A water heater’s sticker saying, “D061052638”, means it was built in April 2006. Each manufacturer has a code similar to this,often the warranty period can be confirmed with the manufacturer’s website or you can call your manufacturer and check with them.

Rusty Water in the Home

When your hot water is on and you are getting rusty water, this may be a sign your heater is rusting away. Note this is only for when the hot water is on.        

Galvanized pipes may be the culprit here, to test if it is the pipes or water heater causing the rust do this experiment. Turn on a tap that has had rusty water, fill up a 5-gallon container and when it is ⅓ full, if the water is still rusty the issue is more than likely your water heater.

Rumbling and Noise

Sediment builds up on the bottom of the tank over time, the tanks heating and cooling process will harden this sediment. When this happens you will start heating noises coming from the water heater as it heats up, kind of a popping noise which is caused by the sediment.This is a sign you will need to replace your heater soon. The sediment causes it to become less efficient, the heater will need more electricity or gas to heat the water. As well it will lead to increased damage. As it takes longer to heat your water, there will be more wear and tear on the tank, this may lead to more weaker metal parts to crack and create small holes.

Water Pooling

Water or moisture around the heater may be a sign of a leak through a fracture in the tank. This is because metal tanks when heated, expand.

Action plumbing and heating are your plumbing and heating Saskatoon experts! When it comes to skilled plumbers Saskatoon, please give us a call at 306-244-8248. We have over 20 years experience serving Saskatoon and surrounding area, if you need a new water heater give us a call or book online here. Whether your water heater needs a tune-up, to be replaced, or you simply have questions, please get in touch with us, we are always here to help.