If you’re like most people, you take your water heater for granted — until it develops a problem, that is. At Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, we understand it’s easy to let an out-of-sight tank fall to the back of your mind, but the minute that tank starts acting up? You definitely notice.
While a lack of hot water is the most obvious sign of a faulty water heater, there are a few other issues you should be aware of too. Below, our expert plumbers discuss three signs that may indicate the need for a water heater replacement.
Rust-Colored Hot Water
Does your hot water have a weird orange-brown tint to it? If so, that’s a sign the interior of the tank has developed rust. And when a water heater tank begins to rust, leaks aren’t far behind. Since a leak will both diminish your hot water supply and put your home at risk for water damage, it’s critical that you examine this issue further as soon as you notice it.
To determine if you have a rusty tank on your hands, grab a few buckets or large containers and fill half of them with hot water and the other half with cold water. If the hot water has a tint and cold water doesn’t, that’s a surefire sign you need water heater replacement.
The Water Heater Has Exceeded Its Projected LIfespan
How old is your existing water heater? Do you even know? If you’re not sure, take a look at the manufacturer’s sticker near the top of the tank. On most units, the first two digits of the serial number denote the year the unit was manufactured, but these stickers can vary from brand to brand. If you can’t locate the production date, contact the manufacturer for further information. If you learn your water is more than 10 years old, it’s likely time for a water heater replacement.
A Leaky Tank
When metal gets hot, it expands, and as a result, it can develop minor fractures over time. If your water is heater is nearing the end of its projected lifespan, it’s at a higher risk for developing leaks. And unfortunately, many people fail to notice a leaky tank, especially if the problem is minor, because when the metal cools down, the tank stops leaking.
However, if you notice your hot water supply has suddenly dwindled or you see moisture on the floor around your tank, you’ve got a problem on your hands. To avoid household water damage, contact a plumber for an inspection at your earliest convenience. In most cases, water heater replacement is the only suitable remedy.
Need Water Heater Replacement? Contact Steve’s Plumbing & Heating
If your water heater is acting up, get in touch with our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating so we can take a look at it. We specialize in water heater replacement and repair, as well as a wide variety of plumbing and heating services for central Wisconsin residents. For your convenience, we also offer 24/7 emergency service because we know plumbing issues don’t just pop up during normal business hours. To schedule a service appointment, request an estimate, or learn more about our services, give our Wisconsin Rapids office a call today at 715-421-1800 or contact us online, and we’ll be in touch.