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Typically, you can expect your Brooklyn water heater to last at least 10 years before it needs to be replaced with a new one. However, if you keep it properly maintained, you increase your chances of getting 15 years or more out of it. Proper water heater maintenance in Brooklyn includes regular flushing to prevent its internal parts from becoming encased in mineral buildup or corrosion.
Continue reading to learn how to recognize your water heater needs some TLC or simply reach out to Brooklyn plumbing experts at Petri if you have any questions or need help!
If you’re not sure if your hot water heater needs professional attention, here are some of the signs to look for.
Does the temperature of your water feel cooler than what it was a few years ago when you first got your new water heater installed, even though you are still setting the valve at the same position? If the answer is yes, it is time to replace your water heater before it is too late.
A strange taste of your tap water can be a huge indicator that your hot water heater needs to be serviced or repaired. If the water has a metallic taste or odor to it, this generally indicates that your water heater is close to malfunctioning. You also want to be on the lookout for tap water in your home that appears to be rust-colored. This is another sign of impending hot water heater problems.
One sign you may need to have your water heater maintained is if you smell a strong odor of rotten eggs or sulfur. This is usually a sign that buildup has accumulated in the bottom of the heater and needs to be drained immediately. If you are familiar with draining your water heater, you should allow all the water to completely flush out of the heater. If you are not, a plumber can assist you in draining the water heater and ensuring that all the sediment in the bottom of the tank is removed properly.
Do a visual inspection of your water heater and look closely at the joints where the pipes extend out from the heater. The pipes should be clean and clear of any rust or corrosion. If you see any white corrosion forming on the pipes that lead in and out of your water heater, you should contact a plumber to inspect those lines. The pressure in those pipes is significant, and if they crack or break you could come home to a flood.
If you see any tiny particles in your water, this can also be a sign the water heater needs maintenance. The sediment that builds up at the bottom of the water heater slowly accumulates and then breaks apart and flows through the lines into your drinking water. If you see these particles in your water or dried onto your dishes or dried onto shower glass, call a plumber and have him rinse out the heater properly.
Leaking water is an alert for internal failure. The time for immediate water heater replacement has arrived. The leak can ruin floors or carpet if unchecked. If not replaced, the cost of flooring and carpeting will become evident, as well as a steep utility bill for all that hot water ruining the floor.
This is a classic annoyance that is common to older water heaters. There is probably a pile of mineral sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank. Fortunately, the sediment can be easily removed from the tank. Keep in mind that left to its own devices, the sediment will eventually cause the water heater to fail, and replacement will be necessary.
If you are familiar with draining your water heater, you should allow all the water to completely flush out of the heater. If you are not, a plumber can assist you in draining the water heater and ensuring that all the sediment in the bottom of the tank is removed properly.
Besides paying close attention to the condition of your tap water, you should also listen for unusual sounds coming from your water heater. If you hear loud pops or cracks coming from it, this often indicates that there are mineral and scale deposits interfering with the heating elements inside. As mentioned, regular flushing can help prevent this from occurring, but if you already have this problem, contact a professional water heater service company.
A leaking hot water heater needs professional attention. Often, when a unit starts leaking water, there is an internal failure taking place. Do not leave this, or any other issue, untreated. If you do, your water heater problem will only become more serious.
Realizing the warning signs of water heater distress can often defuse a potentially pricey situation. In fact, most water heater problems are easily solved and don’t cost a lot of money to address. The keys to the kingdom are observation and maintenance.
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