Although you think you won’t need hot water in the summer, you’ll be sad when it’s not there. A cold shower may feel refreshing, but a cold bath does not. If you notice that your water is cold even when the tap for hot is turned, then something could be wrong with your water heater. It’s time to replace it before the problems get any worse.
It’s Aging
At some point, you will need to replace everything in your home. From electronics to furniture, to appliances and plumbing fixtures. Your hot water heater is no exception. Living in a state of denial where you stubbornly refuse to update anything because you don’t want to spend the money will only make it harder to fix the problem or replace the heater once it has failed completely. In general, you should replace your water heater every ten years. If it’s been longer than that, then you’re probably overdue. If it happens before that mark, then you probably have a low-quality heater and you didn’t know any better. Look for a serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker. You’ll be able to tell how old the heater is.
It Makes Noise
If you hear odd noises coming from your heater, then it’s another sign that it is about to retire. At this point, you will thank yourself if you replace it before any noticeable issues start to disrupt your daily routine. If you hear rumbling and banging coming from the machine, that’s not a good sign. It means a breakdown is imminent. Sediment buildup is normal, but too much is a problem. The sediment eventually calcifies and hardens. Every time the heater warms up, this sediment will move around and that’s what causes the strange noises you keep hearing.
Filthy Water
Filthy water is never a good sign. You always expect your water to be clear, unless there is road work going on down the street or a pipe has ruptured, robbing your home of water service entirely. If the water coming out of your faucets is dirty, it could be due to sediment or rust. Galvanized piping repels rust, but the rust will eventually win. Fill some five-gallon buckets of water to help diagnose the problem. When the water starts running clear again after a handful of buckets, the pipes are to blame.
All of Your Plumbing Needs from Master Plumbing
Give Master Plumbing a call at (301) 650-9100 or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you with your dripping faucet (or just about anything else plumbing related!). We have received Angie’s List Super Service Award recognition for plumbing and drain cleaning every year since 2007, in addition to the Best Plumber award from Best of Bethesda. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today—you won’t regret it! To see examples of our projects, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.