Water heater replacement can be costly but not replacing a faulty water heater can be potentially dangerous. Did you know that broken water heaters are among the top causes of flooding or water damage across homes in Australia? So, if you have a water heater at home, knowing when to replace it can help you avoid a serious leak or burst.
Doesn’t heat the water enough!
Do you turn the hot water tap but only get icy cold or lukewarm water? Probably, you do not get sufficient hot water from your water heater?
Overtime as the water is heated, water minerals and sediments that settle at the bottom of the water tank build up in the tank. This causes the tank’s heating element to work harder, eventually leading the heater to fail – either leak or cease to operate. And if your water heater is old too, it may be more than just a broken heating element and a water heater replacement may be just what you need.
Standing water around the water heater
Is there a pool or a puddle of water around the base of the water heater? You most probably have a leak in the tank. A leaking tank is irreparable is due to the corrosion of tank’s inner lining, either due to age, mineral or sediment build up or sheer neglect. A crack in the tank indicates that corrosion has grown to the level that it can lead to cracks in the tank and if not replaced quickly, can flood your entire home.
However, it is best to confirm with your local plumber in Sydney whether it is indeed the tank that is leaking and not the T/P valve. If you do find a leak, have your tank replaced and call a local hot water installer for a new water heater.
Corrosion inside the tank
Do you notice discolored brown or rusty water and chunks of sediments or metallic odorous water?
The inside of your water heater tank is made of steel and thus prone to corrosion over time. The orange or reddish color in water from the tank is a sure sign that the tank and pipes are rusted and it is time to replace the water heater. Eventually, if you do not drain the water heater regularly of hot water, it will gradually build rust inside the tank and cause the water heater tank to leak.
Rattling and popping sound inside the tank
Listen to your water heater! Does the water heater make popping and clanging noise as it heats the water?
The sound you hear is boiling water trapped underneath the sediments or minerals from the hard water makes those sounds through pockets of air. It means that your water heater has a build-up of scales and minerals on the surface of the water heater. The popping can actually lead to a burst in your hot water heater tank. Thus, it is best to replace the water heater before you face a costly leak in the tank.
Your water heater is more than 10 years old
The average life of a water heater is approximately 8-12 years and the older your water heater, the more likely it is to leak or burst. So, if you notice some inefficiency in your water heater, it is best to have a qualified and licensed plumber check it out and get expert views.
Call Your Local Sydney Plumbing Hot Water Gas Specialist
Experiencing any of the above signs of failure on your water heater? Don’t wait before it is too late. Call Sydney Plumbing Hot water and Gas for an expert recommendation on the best water heater for your family and for professional hot water heater installation.
As fully licensed and insured Sydney plumbers, our accredited technicians are ever ready for electric hot water installation or gas hot water installation for all major brands like Rinnai, Bosch, Dux, Vulcan, Rheem and many more.
Call 0402 487 444 anytime for 24/ 7 emergency plumbing service and get same day service with upfront pricing.