Because they are hidden in basements or concealed in closets, water heaters are usually taken for granted. Depending on the regularity of maintenance and design characteristics, they last around ten years, and may cause few noticeable problems until the shower suddenly turns frigid. Knowing the signs that water heater replacement may be needed saves homeowners money, time, and mental strain.
Unless a homeowner enjoys do-it-yourself projects, the unit often escapes inspection. One obvious sign of trouble includes a wet buildup or visible leakage around the base. This can be a serious issue, because a leaking unit has the ability to cause an expensive flood if it gives out completely. If hard-to-ignore moisture is routinely appearing around the heater, shut it down immediately.
If household members usually take a shower without turning the cold tap on, then the unit is probably not heating at full capacity. When the problem is not due to higher than normal demand, it may be related to failing internal heating elements or power connections, primarily issues with electrically powered units. If the unit routinely recovers in a hour, it simply may not have enough capacity for current use patterns.
It may be unsettling to find a thick layer of sediment in the tank, but that is common in many areas. Long-term connections allow small bits of suspended soil fragments to collect, eventually degrading the metal surface, and commonly resulting in overheating. Regular tank flushing can solve the problem, but if that has not been performed for years, a professional flushing may be necessary.
Additional common symptoms include strange odors, or odd rumbling or clicking noises accompanied by a high-pitched whining. These may be hard to pinpoint and eliminate, but usually indicate that the unit is on the brink of malfunctioning. They are also related to sediment build-up, and flushing them out may be the solution. In some cases, the tank needs to be replaced.
Even when there are no overt signs of impending malfunction, replacement will be reflected by the monthly energy bill. Although different regions use a variety of energy sources, a heater accounts for nearly one-quarter of the cost. An old unit may work adequately, but at far greater energy consumption. A modern, efficient model saves money and cuts carbon emission levels.
One alternative is the tankless heater, designed to eliminate traditional storage. Instead of being kept inside a tank, water is heated directly as it passes through, and can provide a flow up to five gallons each minute. That amount may not adequately serve a large household, but without the tank, more than one unit can easily and economically be installed, creating enough capacity.
Some residents of White Hall MD replace their own units, but many homeowners find the prospect daunting. While a new appliance theoretically should fit the old connections, threading them can require knowledge of soldering or solvent welding. Those lacking the tools, time, and patience to do it themselves usually call a local plumbing and heating expert, who can do the job quickly and efficiently.
Unless a homeowner enjoys do-it-yourself projects, the unit often escapes inspection. One obvious sign of trouble includes a wet buildup or visible leakage around the base. This can be a serious issue, because a leaking unit has the ability to cause an expensive flood if it gives out completely. If hard-to-ignore moisture is routinely appearing around the heater, shut it down immediately.
If household members usually take a shower without turning the cold tap on, then the unit is probably not heating at full capacity. When the problem is not due to higher than normal demand, it may be related to failing internal heating elements or power connections, primarily issues with electrically powered units. If the unit routinely recovers in a hour, it simply may not have enough capacity for current use patterns.
It may be unsettling to find a thick layer of sediment in the tank, but that is common in many areas. Long-term connections allow small bits of suspended soil fragments to collect, eventually degrading the metal surface, and commonly resulting in overheating. Regular tank flushing can solve the problem, but if that has not been performed for years, a professional flushing may be necessary.
Additional common symptoms include strange odors, or odd rumbling or clicking noises accompanied by a high-pitched whining. These may be hard to pinpoint and eliminate, but usually indicate that the unit is on the brink of malfunctioning. They are also related to sediment build-up, and flushing them out may be the solution. In some cases, the tank needs to be replaced.
Even when there are no overt signs of impending malfunction, replacement will be reflected by the monthly energy bill. Although different regions use a variety of energy sources, a heater accounts for nearly one-quarter of the cost. An old unit may work adequately, but at far greater energy consumption. A modern, efficient model saves money and cuts carbon emission levels.
One alternative is the tankless heater, designed to eliminate traditional storage. Instead of being kept inside a tank, water is heated directly as it passes through, and can provide a flow up to five gallons each minute. That amount may not adequately serve a large household, but without the tank, more than one unit can easily and economically be installed, creating enough capacity.
Some residents of White Hall MD replace their own units, but many homeowners find the prospect daunting. While a new appliance theoretically should fit the old connections, threading them can require knowledge of soldering or solvent welding. Those lacking the tools, time, and patience to do it themselves usually call a local plumbing and heating expert, who can do the job quickly and efficiently.
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