7 Signs That It Is Time For A Water Heater Replacement | New Orleans, LA
In a perfect world, the appliances in your New Orleans, LA home would last a lifetime. Unfortunately, life isn’t perfect, and your appliances have a maximum lifespan, and this includes your water heater. The average lifespan of a water heater is between 8 and 12 years. When it goes past its maximum lifespan, a complete breakdown can occur.
A complete water heater breakdown can make life in your home very inconvenient. Simple daily tasks like showering and cleaning will be impossible if your water heater isn’t functioning.
The best way to avoid a complete water heater breakdown is to recognize the signs that it is time for a water heater replacement. If you can recognize the signs early, you can have your old water heater replaced before it completely shuts down, complicating your life.
#1 No Hot Water
The most obvious sign that you may need a water heater replacement is if you aren’t getting any hot water into your New Orleans, LA home. Before you start worrying about your water heater, there are a few things you should check first.
- If you have a gas water heater, make sure the pilot is lit, and there isn’t a widespread gas outage.
- If you have an oil water heater, make sure the pilot light is lit, and there is oil in the tank.
- If you have an electric water heater, make sure the circuit hasn’t tripped, and there is electricity going to the water heater.
If everything checks out, you should call a plumber specializing in water heater repair. If the issue is minor, it may be able to fix. However, it is more likely that the heating elements have failed, and it is time for a water heater replacement.
#2 The Water Won’t Get any Hotter than Lukewarm
If you turn the hot water on full-blast and it doesn’t get any hotter than lukewarm, it may be time for a water heater replacement. When your water heater has reached its maximum lifespan, the heating elements won’t heat the water adequately.
If the water heater in your home is between 8 and 12 years old, it isn’t worth the cost of a water heater repair, if it is even possible. It is best to start planning for a replacement.
#3 You Are Running Out Of Hot Water Quickly
Running out of hot water during a shower is very frustrating. If you find that this is happening often, it may be time for a water heater replacement.
If your hot water demand has increased after someone new has moved into your home, or if you recently installed a washing machine or dishwasher, a replacement is inevitable. You will need to have a water heater with a larger tank installed to meet your hot water demand. You can also go with a tankless water heater which provides hot water on-demand.
If your hot water demand hasn’t changed, there is likely a large amount of sediment built up in the tank, leaving less room for hot water storage. This often happens as water heaters age, and a water heater replacement will be necessary.
#4 Discolored Hot Water
If you run the water in your home and it comes out with a brown tint, you have a serious problem. If the hot and cold water is discolored, your pipes are likely corroded and need to be replaced. If just the hot water is discolored, your water heater is the issue.
When sediment builds up in the water tank, it can break up and come out in the water. If the issue isn’t too severe and your water heater is relatively young, there is a chance it can be repaired. If there is too much sediment in the tank or the unit has reached its maximum lifespan, it is likely time for a water heater replacement. Because it is unsafe to use contaminated water, replacing your water heater should be a top priority.
#5 Poor Hot Water Pressure
A lack of water pressure can be very inconvenient. It can make simple daily tasks difficult, and they can take longer than they should. In addition, your water-based appliances won’t function at peak performance without adequate water pressure.
Poor hot and cold water pressure often signifies a leak in the waterline. If it is just the hot water pressure that is poor, your water heater is to blame. When sediment builds up in the water tank, it can clog the water lines, causing weak water pressure. If the issue is minor, a plumber may be able to unclog the waterline. If the sediment is severe and your water heater is 8 to 12 years old, it is time for a replacement.
#6 Banging Sounds Coming from the Water Heater
If you hear a banging sound coming from the water heater, there is a good chance that it is time for a replacement. When large pieces of sediment build up in the water tank, they can bang against the inside of the tank. It takes substantially sized pieces of sediment to cause the banging sound, which often cannot be removed. A replacement is essential because if the problem persists, the sediment banging around can cause a crack in the water tank.
#7 Water Pooling Around the Water Tank
If there is water pooling around your water tank, an immediate replacement is necessary. The leaking water is likely due to a crack in the water tank. If you ignore the issue, the water from the tank will flood your home.
Why Choose bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans?
If the water heater in your New Orleans, LA home has reached the end of its lifespan and it is time for a water heater replacement, contact bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans. We are a family-owned and operated plumbing company that has been serving residential and commercial customers in the area for years.
We can help you find the right size water heater to meet your hot water demand and will also fit within your budget.
To schedule an appointment for a water heater replacement or any other plumbing service, give us at bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans a call today.
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