Signs This Year’s Holiday Wish List Should Include a New Water Heater

Has the Time Come to Put a New Hot Water Heater On the Holiday Wish List?

The holidays are approaching, and the clock is already ticking when it comes to finding the perfect gifts for friends and family. But what about those struggling to come up with gift ideas for themselves? Those who already have enough books, socks, and scented candles to last a lifetime? Why should their wish lists be limited to the same old things? Maybe this is the year they can finally get the gift they’ve been wanting, the one that will keep on giving – a nice, new replacement for that tired old rust-bucket of a water heater.

For those homeowners who are tired of losing hot water halfway through a shower, of being startled by eerie noises coming from the garage, of calling the repairman every month, here are a few telling signs it’s time for an upgrade.

How Old Is the Water Heater?

The typical life expectancy of a water heater is anywhere from 8 to 12 years, depending on how well it has been maintained, whether it was correctly installed, and the quality and brand of the model itself. Water heaters that handle a lot of hard water tend not to last as long, as mineral scale can accumulate inside the tank, valves, and inlet/outlet pipes.

If the home’s previous owners purchased the water heater, it’s a good idea to find out the install date (this is sometimes posted on the unit itself) and look through any service or maintenance records they left behind. If the unit is approaching the decade mark and hasn’t been diligently maintained (once a year at least), its days may be numbered.

Leaky or Cracked Storage Tank

Suppose there’s water dripping or pooling up below the unit. In that case, the cause could be one of several things- Condensation on the water tank, excess water draining from the overflow pipe, a defective valve or gasket. These are relatively minor issues, and some basic repairs or adjustments will solve them. However, if the leak is coming from the water tank, no amount of repairs will do the trick.

When rust forms inside a water tank (as often happens with older units), it begins to corrode the tank wall, slowly compromising its integrity. As cold and hot water come and go over time, causing continual contraction and expansion within the tank, the deteriorated tank shell eventually cracks. Likewise, mineral deposits can collect inside a storage tank and crack its glass inner shell. Once a tank is broken, the only solution is to replace the entire water heater.

Dirty or Rusty Water

Rust-colored water coming out of faucets or showerheads is not only nasty, but it also points to a seriously ailing water heater. Traditional water heaters are built with an anode rod inside the water tank. The anode rod attracts and traps any corrosive substances (such as rust) which happen to be present in the water supply, protecting the tank shell.

Eventually, the rod will disintegrate as a result of handling these substances, leaving the tank exposed. If the rod is replaced before this happens, it should be no problem. But if there’s already enough rust to cause the discoloration of the water, the tank shell is likely compromised. Of course, for this or any of the above indicators of a water heater on its deathbed, it never hurts to get the input of a pro.

About Hall’s Plumbing

Hall’s Plumbing has been Woodland, California’s go-to plumber since 1995. A family-owned and operated local business, they have consistently been ranked best in their field for years. Their friendly, expert technicians show up on time in a fully-stocked truck, ready to meet every client’s specific needs with budget-friendly options and up-front pricing. Hall’s backs up every job with a rock-solid satisfaction guarantee. Give them a call today for water heater services in Woodland!