Not many people think about the water in their house until something happens, I mean you turn n the faucet and have hot or cold water for washing dishes or taking a shower, and watering the lawn. But what if you turned on the faucet and only got cold water? Than you would than go and check your water heater to make sure it’s working properly. Water heaters are usually tucked away in your garage or basement, we don’t see them daily and don’t pay attention to them until something happens. But what if your water heater is on it’s way out? There are some signs that your water heater might need to be repaired or replaced.

What is the shelf life of a water heater ?

Water heaters usually last between 8 and 12 years. Tankless water heater systems tend to last longer. If your current water heater is 8 years old you may want to consider thinking about a replacement. There are a few things that determine how long a water heater lasts:

• The type of water heater
• Quality of the water heater
• How the water heater was maintained

What causes a water heater to stop working ?

Besides age there are some other factors that determine when or if your water heater needs to be replaced. The other things besides age that can cause a water heater to stop working:

• The pressure is to high
• Loose or broken fittings
• Rust or corrosion
• Sediment building up
• Not being maintained

Water heaters have a magnesium anode rod that are inside the water heater to prevent rust and corrosion. If the rods are to old or not maintained they not longer protect the water heater from rust and corrosion. Rust will begin to form and cause the water heater and the entire unit to be corroded and leak.

Signs a Water Heater is Going Bad

You should have your water heater checked regularly by a professional plumber. Regular maintenance should also be preformed by a plumber, Streamline Plumbing does regular maintenance and check ups on al types of water heaters.

Here are the major signs your water heater is on its last leg:

1. Your water heater is making unexplainable noises-If you notice your water heater is making popping, banging, and rumbling noises that is a sing it might be failing. Noises are caused by sediment on the bottom of the tank. To much sediment and might cause the water heater to overheat and fail.
2. Decreased or Varying Water Temperature-When you turn on your water and your water is either cold with no heat or goes from hot to cold without explanation. When the temperature has irregularities you need to have Streamline Plumbing come out right away since temperature variations are indicative of a much larger problem.
3. Low Water Pressure-If your water pressure is low in all faucets than you may have sediment build up at he bottom of the tank. Sediment builds up over time and can cause many issues including low water pressure.
4. Discolored or Rusty Water-If your water has become a rust color or discolored in any way your anode rod might be bad and not protecting the water heater from rust and corrosion.
5. Hot Water Shortage-Running out of hot  water stinks, but if your running out faster than usual your water heater might be on the way out.
6. Water Heater Leaks-If you notice a puddle in and around your water heater it may be leaking. If its leaking that’s a sign to replace it. Water Heaters are airtight so if it is leaking turn it off immediate and call Streamline Plumbing. A leaking water heater can cause many more issues than the water heater itself.
7. Frequent Repairs-If your calling a plumber to repair your water heater on a regular basis it might time to replace your water heater. It might be more cost effective to replace than repair. A professional plumber can make that determination.
8. Age of Hot Water Heater-Hot water heaters generally last anywhere between 8 and 12 years. Having regular maintenance by a professional plumber can improve the life span of your water heater.
9. Higher water Bills-If your water heater is getting older or not properly maintained and has issues your water heater can cause your water and electric bills to be much higher than usual. Higher energy bills are sometimes the first things people notice when they have issues.
10. Water Smells-Bacteria growing in your water heater may cause your water to smell. Bacteria loves warm , moist areas making water heaters the prime environment for bacteria to grow. You can drain and treat your water heater to remove bacteria but if its to old to might be better to replace it. Bacteria growing in your water heater tank is something you should never over look. if your water smell like rotten eggs you need to have professional look at it because this bacteria can make you sick.

Should I Replace My Water Heater

If you see any of the 10 sings that your water heater is going bad you may want to think about replacing it before it goes bad. More plumbing issues can arise if you wait until it actually is broken.

New hot water heaters can be more energy efficient and you can have your choice of a traditional tank water heater or the newer tankless water heater.

The professional plumbers at Streamline Plumbing can assist you in picking out the right water heater for your home or business needs and within your budget, call today.

Why Call Streamline Plumbing

Our professionally trained plumbing staff has been servicing Orange County residents and businesses for over 25 years. We offer:

• 24 hour emergency services
• Large or small scale plumbing jobs
• guaranteed work on all plumbing jobs
• free second estimates for all plumbing jobs
• Accurate estimates
• superior quality products
• Product replacement and removal

Call Streamline Plumbing today for a free estimate for any plumbing job including water heater maintenance or replacement.