Water heaters, like any home appliance, have a finite lifespan—and it’s not always obvious when yours is reaching the end of its own. Unless you relish the surprise of a suddenly freezing shower, it’s smart to understand when and how your water heater might go out. That way, you can contact your local plumbers to see whether it can be repaired, or if you’ll need to invest in a new one.
Here are the signs that it’s time to talk to Big City Plumbing, LLC about repairing your water heater in San Antonio, TX:
- It’s getting older: Water heaters last an average of 10 years, so if yours is getting close to double digits, it’s time to start looking for a new one. The good news is that if it’s time to replace your water heater, there are plenty of affordable, energy-efficient models available.
- You’re hearing strange noises: Sediment can build up in your water heater over time, which expands and contracts as the water heats and cools. If you’re hearing strange noises coming from your water heater, it’s likely a sediment issue—and it’s probably time to seek out a new water heater entirely.
- You see rusty water: Rusty water coming from the hot water side of your faucet can mean there’s a problem with your water heater—or it could be your pipes that are the problem. Rust means that your water heater is rusting from the inside, which will eventually degrade enough that the water heater leaks. To determine whether it’s your water heater or your pipes, drain your water heater. If the water is still rusty after a few buckets, you probably have a water heater problem.
- There are puddles or leaks around the water heater: Speaking of leaks from rust, if you notice puddles or leaks in your water heater, that’s an obvious sign that it’s time for repair or replacement. As noted above, it could be that the water heater is rusting from the inside out, or there might be an easier problem to fix, such as loose connectors and tubing. Make sure to call a reliable plumber for help repairing your water heater in San Antonio, TX.
- It doesn’t seem to be as reliable as usual: If your water heater suddenly takes more sick days than you can remember it ever doing before, that’s an early sign that something is wrong. It is likely working harder than it should to get half the results, which can be due to sediment buildup and other issues. However, before you get ready to toss it in favor of a new one, double-check that the temperature setting is set properly.
When your water heater in San Antonio, TX is giving you trouble, be sure to call an experienced plumber for repairs. Plumbers can help you determine whether the problem is a matter of replacing your water heater, or whether some other solutions can save you the time, money and hassle. Call Big City Plumbing, LLC to get started.