Is it Time to Replace your Hot Water System?
A hot water heater is one piece of the equipment that often goes unnoticed by a large number of homeowners. It doesn't come as a surprise that many will wake up to a freezing cold shower in mid-winter. To make sure that this isn't the case, you should check for signs of trouble as soon as you notice them.
If you have recently noticed unusual operations on your hot water heater and are not sure whether or not to replace, this guide should be of help.
Unusual Noise
If you begin to hear strange noises, especially sizzling or hissing noises, you know that it's time to replace your hot water system. Don't be in a rush to make any replacements yet because the underlying issues may be due to a faulty relief valve. You may want to consider checking this out before thinking of replacing the entire system.
If you hear a cracking, banging or popping noise, chances are that there is sediment build-up at the bottom. Most likely the noise may be coming from steam coming from underneath the sediment. The good thing is that you can fix this issue by draining the sediment.
How Old Is Your Water Heater?
Sometimes your water heater may malfunction or not operate effectively because it's almost approaching the end of its life. If you just bought a house and are not sure about the age of the water heater installed, you can confirm by checking on the manufacturer's sticker.
Usually, heaters have a lifespan of ten years. However, if you don't notice any leaks at the end of the 10th year, you should wait until it develops issues before you consider making a replacement.
Discoloured Water
There may be instances when your hot water comes out rusty, brown or red. If this is the case, chances are that there is corrosion in your tank. Most hot water heater tanks feature a sacrificial anode which ensures that your tank doesn't get corroded.
That said, if you notice discoloured water, chances are that your sacrificial anode hasn't been replaced in a long time. The water from your hot water heater may be discoloured due to build-up of sediments. If this is the case, the best solution is to flush the dirt build-up in your hot water system.
Sediment build-up also causes overheating, and this is one of the aspects that should be addressed as soon as it presents itself. In case of heavy corrosion, consider replacing your water heater. Speak to a professional about hot water systems for more information.
