Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home, providing you and your family with hot water for showers, laundry, and dishes. When it starts to malfunction, it can be a major inconvenience.
There are a few telltale signs that your water heater is on the fritz. If you notice any of the following eight symptoms, it’s time to call a plumber for repairing your water heater in Santa Rosa, CA.
- Your water isn’t as hot as it used to be. This is one of the first signs that something is wrong with your water heater. When the heating element breaks down, it can take longer to heat the water or may not heat it as much as usual.
- There’s water around the base of your water heater. This could be a sign of a broken heating element or a problem with the tank itself. If you see water pooling around your water heater, turn it off immediately and call a plumber.
- You hear odd sounds coming from the water heater. If you start to notice cracking, hitting, or hissing sounds, it’s time to call a professional. These noises are usually indicative of sediment build-up in the tank, which can lead to serious problems if not addressed promptly.
- There’s rust in your water. If you start to see rust-colored water coming from your taps, your water heater is likely rusting on the inside. This can lead to serious problems, so it’s important to call a plumber right away.
- Your water has a strange smell. If your water starts to smell funny, it could be a sign of bacteria growth in your water heater. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately by a professional.
- You have low water pressure. If you notice that your water pressure is lower than usual, it could be a sign that your water heater is starting to fail. This problem should be addressed by scheduling plumbing services in Windsor, CA, or surrounding areas.
- Your energy bills are higher than usual. If you notice that your energy bills have gone up even though you’re not using any more hot water, your water heater is likely working overtime to heat the water.
- Your water heater is more than 10 years old. Even if your water heater isn’t showing any other signs of wear and tear, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional if it’s more than 10 years old. Water heaters have a lifespan of about 10-15 years, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to call a professional plumber right away. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action to take. In some cases, repairing your water heater may be the best option. But in other cases, replacing your water heater may be the best choice.
Which Is Recommended: Water Heater Repair or Replacement?
If your home’s water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your decision:
- The average lifespan of a water heater is 8-12 years: Is your water heater at the end of its life? If so, you need to start shopping for a replacement.
- The cost of repairs: Is your water heater in need of repairs? If the cost of repairs is more than 50% of the cost of a new water heater, it’s probably time to replace it.
- The efficiency of your water heater: Older water heaters are less efficient than newer models. If you’re looking to save money on your energy bills, replacing your old water heater with a new, more efficient model can help.
- Your family’s needs: Has your family grown since you last replaced your water heater? If so, you may need a larger unit to meet your family’s hot water needs.
- The type of water heater: There are several different types of water heaters available on the market today. If your old water heater is no longer meeting your needs, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer model.
Deciding to repair or replace your water heater can be difficult. However, keeping these things in mind can help you make the best decision for your home and your family. Contact Curoso Plumbing Inc. at 707-545-5017 to schedule an appointment.
