Showering in hot water after a long day at work in Kingsville, Texas, feels good when the water heater is working properly. But what if it isn’t? Watch for these signs to know whether it’s time to invest in a new water heater.
It’s Getting Old
If you have no idea how old your water heater is, it’s easy to check. You can find the manufacture date in the serial number. There will be a code similar to C0825363777. The letter C is the third letter of the alphabet, indicating that your water heater was made in March. The two numbers that follow mark the year of manufacture, or 2008. Water heaters typically last between eight and 12 years.
It’s Producing Funky Water
If the water coming from your tap isn’t clear, you might have a water heater problem. You can test this by running hot water into gallon-sized buckets. If the water is still rusty by the third bucket, you need to replace your water heater.
Dirt or sand in the water could be a utility problem, or it could be from buildup in your heater. Ask your utility company if your area has had a main break.
Water that smells or tastes metallic can also signal that your water heater is about to breakdown.
It’s Making Noises
Sediment collects inside your water heater’s tank, and it eventually hardens. Clanking and popping during heating can mean your water heater is full of this sediment and needs maintenance.
It’s Not Heating the Water
If you have a gas-powered water heater, make sure your pilot light is on and that the temperature is between 120 and 140 degrees. If you water heater is electric, it could be a blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker or a bad heating element. If you check it all and your water is still not as hot as you want, call a plumber.
For all your plumbing needs, including water heater service, call Bodine-Scott today at (361) 883-9900.
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