Having warm water in your home is pretty much a necessity. You need it for your showers, washing hands, laundry, washing dishes… and really just as an everyday convenience.
Your water heater provides a very vital role in your home, but many people don’t know when it’s about to fail. Charlotte Mechanical wants to make sure you know the signs when your water heater is on its final leg so that you can get it replaced instead of being suddenly stuck in a freezing shower. BRRRR!
If your water heater is 10 years or older, you should consider having it replaced.
You can check how old your water heater is by the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker located on the equipment. The serial number will have a date code such as “J083491203.”
The letter “J” is for the month. “J” is the 10th letter in the alphabet so it stands for the 10th month which is October. Then the next two numbers “08” mean the year. So the water heater was made in October 2008.
If you notice rusty water, this can be a sign that you water heater is rusting on the inside and could leak soon.
You will want to double check this first because it could be a rusty pipe. A good test is to take a few five-gallon bucket and fill them with hot water. If by the third bucket of hot water the water is still rusty then you have a problem with your water heater. You will need to replace it soon so that it doesn’t lead to leaks which can cause more damage to your home.
Another sign that you need to say farewell to your beloved water heater is noise from the tank.
When the water heater gets older, sediment builds up on the bottom of the tank. This can make the water heater tank brittle and can cause leaking. When your water heater starts to leak, that’s when you need a replacement.
But proper maintenance can help with the sediment issue. Schedule an appointment with Charlotte Mechanical and one of our expert technicians can maintain your water heater and drain out those sediments that can take up more energy and cause damage to your water heater.
If you see water appear on the floor around your water heater, that means you have a leak.
Metal water heaters are constantly expanding and cooling down throughout its life. When the water heater reaches the end, cracks start to appear from all the expanding and cooling.
You also want to think about replacing the water heater especially if it’s located in the attic. You don’t want the water from those leaks to cause more damage to your home.
Knowing these signs can help you prepare for that moment when you need a new water heater in your home. The best thing you can do right now is go to your water heater and determine how old it is. That way you can decide if you need to start saving money for when the inevitable happens.
For over 20 years, Charlotte Mechanical has repaired and replaced many water heaters with our licensed and experienced technicians. We can help answer any of your questions and give you expert advice on how to keep your water heater at optimal condition. If you need your water heater maintained, repaired or replaced, call our team at 704-771-1020. We look forward to helping you and your family out!