October 2, 2022

When Do I Know It’s Time To Replace My Water Heater?

While a water heater usually has a lifespan of around 8 to 12 years, good maintenance is incredibly important in order to upkeep it. To extend the life of your water heater, it is a good idea to schedule regular checks with a plumber in Oshawa and run regular checks yourself.

While you can work to keep a water heater in good condition, there will come a time when you’ll have to replace yours. You’re probably wondering how you can tell the time has come to replace your water heater – well, we’re here to help.

In this post, we’ve compiled a list of some of the signs you should look out for, to be able to tell when your water heater needs replacing. Take a look at the list below to find out if you need to contact a plumber in Oshawa for assistance.

Are There Loud/Strange Noises?

If your water heater is making strange or loud noises, it could be caused by sediment build-up. This means that the sediment has slowly built up in the bottom of the tank, creating a hard crust. This reduces efficiency, causes loud noises, and results in the need for a water heater replacement.

Sediment build-up can lead to the breakdown of your heating system. It can cause corroded pipes and inefficiency in your heating. If your water heater has begun making loud noises, it may be time to reach out to a company that does plumbing in Pickering, so that they can have a look at the issue.

Is There Water Leakage?

Water leakage is always a cause for concern. It usually means there is a problem with your piping which can affect your water heater. You may sometimes find that the water heater itself is leaking too.

You can look out for water damage by checking walls and ceilings for watermarks and discolouration; your wallpaper may have been affected too. You may also notice at more advanced stages, that the water is leaking through the walls and the ceilings.

Leaks are incredibly important to get fixed as water damage can cause a lot of problems. It can cause foundational problems, leading to wood rot. It may also cause a mould problem which can affect your air quality.

If you think you may have a leak in your water heating system, a plumbing service company could help you out. Many companies who specialize in plumbing in Oshawa, offer leak detection and repair services you could utilize.

Are There Issues With The Water Temperature?

When there is an issue with water temperature, it is a sign that you require a water heater replacement. Different problems mean different issues within the system. We’ve summarized each issue below.

If the water is too cold – This could mean your water heater is lacking power, there is a problem with your thermostat, or the heating element is broken. You can check some of these issues yourself but a plumber will be able to solve the problem too.
If the water never gets hot enough – This could be caused by a water heater that is too small, crossed hot and cold connections, a faulty thermostat, or a broken heating element.
If the water is too hot – This usually means your thermostat is set too high. You can usually change this yourself, but if you want to be safe, you could get in contact with a company that does plumbing in Pickering to visit your home and examine your water heater.

Water temperature is sensitive, and you may need to set yours lower or higher depending on who lives in your home. If you’re struggling to get the correct water temperature, give your local plumbing service a call to get them to check out your water heater and address any problems.

Is There Water Discolouration?

Water discolouration usually comes from mineral deposits and rust in your water system. In your water heater, rust is a sign that there is corrosion within your tank. The longer you leave a tank corroding, the more problems you’re going to have in the future.

Discolouration itself is a cause for alarm in your water system. If your region is not currently under a boil, you do not live in a rural area, or you use well water, you need to get it checked out immediately. Rust and mineral deposits can wreak havoc on your pipes and can lead to a buildup of dangerous toxins in your plumbing system and your water!

If you’ve noticed discoloured water, it is time to get your water heater checked!

Is Your Water Heater Leaking?

There are several reasons that your water heater is leaking, including:

There’s a problem with the temperature or pressure valve
Improper water pressure
A stuck valve
Your water heater is overheating
Leaks in nearby plumbing
A bad gasket
Loose heating element bolts
A leak in the water tank

While you can fix leaks caused by loose bolts yourself, you should get your water heater checked just in case. Leaks can signal that your water heater is past its prime and needs to be fully replaced as soon as possible.

Is The Burner Damaged?

The burner is essential to the proper functioning of your water heater. While there are ways to check for a damaged burner yourself, it is probably best to leave it up to the professionals.

Signs that point to a damaged burner include:

There’s not enough hot water or varying temperatures of water
The water heater is leaking
There is a reduction in water flow in the heater
Smelly or discoloured water
Your water heater is old

If you suspect your burner is damaged, schedule an assessment of your water heater to find out if it is time to replace it with a new one.

Need A Professional Plumber In Oshawa To Help You Replace Your Water Heater? Call Caldwell Plumbing!

Do you think it’s time to replace your water heater? Caldwell Plumbing is on hand to help you out. We’ve got years of experience replacing water heaters, and we provide lots of other services too. Get in touch to find out how we can help you with your water heater today!