Hot Water Heater Replacement - What To Do

by Brian Winters

Replacing a water heater without the help of a specialist requires you to have the right knowledge and tools in doing so. However, a thorough inspection is necessary to see whether your water heater needs to be replaced immediately. There are many signs as to when it's time to start looking for a replacement unit. Look at different areas of your water heater to check the severity of the damage.

How long have you been using your heating system? Gas water heaters usually last 8 to 12 years and an electric-powered unit can last up to 15 years. Expect your decade-old water heater to consume more energy since it has a lesser heating efficiency.

Once you see rusty-colored water coming out of your tank, you may have to replace the water heater anytime soon. This is an indication that the sediments inside the tank are now too heavy for your unit to handle. Oftentimes, this contaminated water comes with a foul odor at the same time. At this point, you have no choice but to replace the unit. Ingesting water filled with bacteria and chemicals can result to serious health issues in the long run.

Check the heating element if your unit is producing insufficient hot water for your household. Open the hot water supply valve after allowing water to heat for a few hours. Doing this helps you inspect if your temperature dial is working properly.  If the problem persists, contact a specialist right away.

Hearing strange noises after draining the tank can be dangerous. Have your tank inspected by a professional to know if the unit is malfunctioning. However, hearing little noises coming from the tank doesn't always mean that something is wrong it. Just to be sure, contact a specialist once you hear these noises.

Check the thermostat settings if your water heater is constantly having varying temperatures. Adjust the dial between 115 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid scalding accidents. If you think you have a stable temperature, there is no need to repeat the process.

Internal tanks can corrode easily if you let sediments sit at the bottom of the unit. Fight against rust and corrosion by checking your anode rod regularly. This rod is responsible for absorbing all the mineral deposits in the tank, protecting your tank from rusting away.  It is normal for an anode rod to deteriorate. That is why you have to replace it as soon as you see metal wiring around it.

Consider the size of the replacement unit to see if it meets your hot water demands. Nowadays, there are a lot of modern units that come in many sizes. A larger tank is recommended for those who use hot water frequently. If you want to save space, search for <a href='http://www.waterheaterrepaireugeneor.com/
'>tankless water heaters </a> that heat water only on demand. They can cost more, but are more durable compared to traditional units.

If you need help in choosing the best water heater for your household, call a specialist for professional advice.



Want to find out more about <a href='http://www.waterheaterrepaireugeneor.com/'> water heater leaking </a>, then visit Brian Winters's site to get advice on proper <a href='http://www.waterheaterrepaireugeneor.com/water-heater-leaking'>water heater repair</a>.