If rusty water shows up in your home, don’t just assume it’s coming from the pipes. The rust could be a sign of corrosion on the inside of the tank.
Changing to a new model that is more energy efficient may also help you save on utility costs in the long run. For professional help, contact Water Heater Replacement Denver.
Whether you’re showering or washing dishes, having a constant supply of hot water is a necessity. If your home experiences problems like lukewarm water or running out of hot water completely, it’s time to consider replacing your water heater.
If your water heater runs out of hot water quickly, there could be several causes. Some are simple and can be fixed at home, while others may require professional assistance.
Start by making sure your water heater is getting the power it needs to function properly. Check the circuit breaker to see if it has been tripped. This can occur due to a power surge, excess current, or simply a faulty switch. If this is the case, flip the switch back on to restore power. You should also check to make sure the pilot light is still lit if your water heater is gas-powered.
The heating element is a crucial component in your water heater, as it is responsible for heating cold water to hot. If this part fails, it can cause your water heater to run out of hot water faster than usual. This can be caused by aging, sediment build-up, or electrical issues. If the issue is not fixed by replacing the heating element, you may need to replace your entire water heater.
Another cause of insufficient hot water is that your water heater is not big enough for your household’s needs. If you have a large family and frequently run out of hot water, you might need to replace your existing unit with a larger one.
Water heater installation requires a great deal of knowledge and expertise to ensure it is done correctly. The plumbing and gas lines must be connected in accordance with local codes and regulations to prevent leaks and safety issues. Depending on your location, this project may be more complicated and expensive than you originally expected. It is best left to a professional, who can provide a full installation service that includes modifying the existing water and gas lines where necessary.
Leaks
Water leaks can be very dangerous for homeowners, especially when they happen for a long period of time. If the leaks are not properly repaired, it could cause serious damage to the home, affecting the floors, carpets, furniture and even family keepsakes and heirlooms. Knowing where the leaks are coming from and why they occur can help homeowners quickly fix the problem and prevent extensive damage to their homes.
Water heater leaks can often be caused by simple plumbing repairs, so it is important to identify the source of the problem and have a plumber inspect the problem to determine what steps are necessary to resolve it. There are two main areas where water leaks from a hot water heater often originate:
Leaks from the Top
The cold and hot water lines that connect to your water heater on the top can sometimes develop loose connections as they become worn out over time due to frequent use. Simply tightening these connections will usually solve the issue. Another area that frequently leaks is the anode rod. These sacrificial components attract corrosive materials so that the rest of the tank does not experience corrosion, but they can eventually break down and leak from the space they are in. Replacing anode rods as soon as you notice them breaking down can prevent this from happening.
Leaks from the Bottom
Leaks from the internal tank of a water heater aren’t as common, but they can still be quite dangerous for homeowners. A leaking internal tank is difficult to spot because the water heater has an external shell that contains insulation material, and an internal tank that holds the water. If the internal tank cracks, it can leak water without you ever noticing, so it is important to have your water heater checked out by a professional as soon as you notice any signs of leaking.
Gas Leaks
Water heaters that use natural gas or propane for power can also leak gas. This is normally due to a cracked or broken gas line, most commonly the flexible line that connects the service valve to the water heater. A gas leak from a water heater is not something that you should ignore because it can create an explosion inside the house, so it is important to have any suspected issues inspected by a qualified plumber as soon as possible.
Age
While on average water heaters last 8-12 years – depending on maintenance – they do reach the end of their lifespan. Homeowners should keep an eye out for signs that their water heater is getting older and consider a replacement sooner rather than later.
The best way to tell the age of your water heater is by deciphering its serial number, which is usually located on a data plate or warning label. However, determining the age can be difficult because many manufacturers use different formats to record serial numbers.
Some manufacturers, such as Rheem and A.O. Smith, make it easy to determine a water heater’s age by using a simple formula. The first letter in the serial number represents the year, with the second letter representing the month. For example, the serial number “RHN0106534307” was made in June of 2014.
Other manufacturers such as Navien have a slightly more complicated system. The serial number starts with four different digits and then follows a letter, which is on a 20-year loop. For example, the serial number “0915******” was manufactured in September of 2015.
Homeowners should also pay attention to how much sediment is present inside the water heater. A water heater that has accumulated too much sediment may be prone to leaks and require a replacement. In addition, rust can cause the water heater to leak and damage your home’s plumbing.
Another sign of an aging water heater is noticing a lack of hot water. While a temporary issue, this can be caused by the water heater running out of capacity or because of a faulty thermostat.
In either case, a lack of hot water is a clear indication that the unit needs to be replaced.
If you’re concerned that your water heater is approaching the end of its life, call Smith & Keene to schedule an inspection. We can provide a professional assessment and recommend the right solution for your household. We offer a Water Heater Signature Service Plan that can help extend the life of your existing water heater and catch potential problems before they become a major repair expense.
Energy Efficiency
The availability of hot water is a vital part of our everyday lives. From showers, baths and frequent hand-washing to cooking, laundry and dishwasher use in most households, the average household uses water of varying temperature up to 20 times per day. This heavy usage puts a significant burden on the water heater and, if not properly maintained can lead to increased energy consumption and ultimately higher utility bills.
Choosing a new water heater that is energy efficient can help lower your utility bills and protect the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. However, deciding between gas and electric models with various sizes, types and energy efficiency ratings can be daunting.
To make the best decision for your home, first determine your household’s daily hot water usage. This will allow you to select the right size water heater with the correct UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) rating. You can also evaluate fuel type by considering electric, gas or hybrid/heat pump/electric options. Finally, evaluate initial cost versus long-term savings to ensure that you choose the best water heater for your needs and your sustainability goals.
Water heaters account for 18 percent of the average homeowner’s energy use. Replacing an old, inefficient model with a new ENERGY STAR(r) certified water heater can help you reduce your household energy consumption and save money on your utility bills.
If your old water heater has a metal tank, it’s a good idea to check the condition of the anode rod every three years. This rod is usually made from magnesium or aluminum and protects the steel tank from corrosion by absorbing corrosive elements that could otherwise damage the unit. If the rod is caked in rust or eaten away, it’s time to replace it.
The federal Department of Energy has been working to update energy efficiency standards for residential water heaters since 2010, a process that is long overdue. The new rule would increase the efficiency of tankless gas water heaters to 90%, while maintaining the current efficiency standards for existing tank and hybrid gas/electric units. The agency expects the new rules to save Americans $198 billion in utility costs and reduce 501 million metric tons of carbon dioxide over 30 years.