ARTICLES

HOW DO YOU KNOW IT’S TIME FOR A NEW WATER HEATER?

FEB 15, 2016

Going without hot water simply isn’t an option for most people. After all, nobody likes to wake up to the prospect of a cold shower in the winter. Yet, it can be hard to determine whether it is time to replace your water heater, or get your existing unit repaired.

At Donley Service Center, we are experienced in water heater repair and installation. We’ve come up with a few pointers that could help you decide if it is time to invest in a new unit.

Your Tank is Corroded: Buy a New One

If your water heater’s main tank is corroded, there’s no option but to replace the entire unit. That’s because once the tank corrodes, it’s going to start leaking and getting rust into your hot water supply. There are a few ways to tell if your water heater is starting to corrode.

Rust: You may notice water in your home is starting to appear rust colored or brownish. This is most likely rust coming from the inside of your tank. Another sign of corrosion is finding rust on the tank itself. You’ll want to replace you water heater as soon as possible if this is the case.

Water Leak: Is there water gathering around your water heater? A leak is very often the result of a corroded water heater tank. Once the tank is leaking, it means the end for your water heater.

Sediment Build-Up: Repair (usually)

If your water heater isn’t very old and you notice hot water is not lasting as long as it used to, you may have a sediment buildup going on. Basically, so much sediment has accumulated there isn’t enough room left in your tank for hot water.

The easiest way to take care of this problem is to flush the sediment out. It’s probably best to have this service performed by a professional to avoid injury as a result of flushing out the sediment along with hot water.

Do I Always Replace When Leaking? No

If the tank of your water heater itself is not leaking, the fix might be a simple one. Check all the plumbing fixtures that connect the water heater to your home’s pipes. If the leak is coming from the pipes, it could be a simple and inexpensive fix.

Still on the Fence? Call Donley

If you are still not sure if you should repair or replace your water heater, give Donley Service Center a Call at 602-892-4261. Our experienced technicians can do a thorough diagnosis to determine exactly what is going on with your water heater.