Do You Need A New Hot Water Heater? Things To Look For

Do You Need A New Hot Water Heater? Things To Look For

Do You Need A New Hot Water Heater? Things To Look For

A hot shower everyday is a luxury offered by your water heater. This cylindrical tank holds water and heats it continually for household use. However, even stored water is a destructive substance. Although tank manufacturers design a durable product, your hot water heater shows signs over time that it needs replacement. Ignoring the signs could result in a cracked tank with flooding across the immediate area.

Puddles
Unexplained puddles under your water heater are perfect examples of water heater stress. There should be no water dripping or leaking from the tank or nearby water outlets. A replacement is often the only solution.

Exterior Inspection
Take a bright flashlight and inspect your tank’s exterior. Near the base, you may find some corrosion or rust accumulation. Some tanks may have supportive legs that are sagging. This corrosion and leg decay are key signs that a replacement is necessary. Water may be leaking or simply corroding the tank from the inside to the outside. You want to avoid a flood issue by draining the tank and replacing it as soon as possible.

Drain Time
If you find no obvious corrosion signs on the tank’s exterior, perform an interior inspection. Once a year, it is good practice to drain the tank completely. Sediment buildup can be removed, providing a slightly longer lifespan for the appliance. When you drain it, use the flashlight again to peer into the tank. Near the center, there should be one or more sacrificial anode rods. These rods are meant to attract corrosion and rust away from the tank walls and base. If the rods are decaying, the tank can soon be the next victim. It is possible to remove and replace the rods, but professionals are typically required for the job because the entire tank must be removed to access the bad parts.

For all of your Tucson plumbing needs, contact Silverado Plumbing. They can offer expert advice on-site if you have concerns about an aging water heater. Many models last as long as 10 years or more with proper maintenance. However, flooding is a real threat that should be avoided. Silverado Plumbing can help you understand your options for safe water heater operation.