Most people rely on the comfort and convenience of their water heater every day. Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of your water heater, but if you start experiencing certain problems, your unit may be beyond maintenance or repair. According to our team of Pittsburgh plumbers, here are some warning signs that your conventional, tankless or hybrid heater might not last much longer.
Warning Signs Based on Your Type of Water Heater
There are three types of water heaters. The conventional, tank-equipped type are very common throughout the United States and have been around for nearly one hundred years. They hold a continuous supply of hot water in reserve that is replenished and reheated when needed. Tankless water heaters do not feature a tank at all and are instead connected to a direct plumbing line that provides hot water on demand. Last but not least, hybrid heaters combine the reservoir benefits of conventional tank technology with the convenience and efficiency of tankless types, and they make for a much cheaper retrofit installation.
Since these devices differ markedly in their construction and design, not all water heater problems are the same. For tank-type models, one of the tell-tale warning signs of impending failure is dirty and/or rust-colored water. This indicates tank corrosion and loose sediment. The minerals in groundwater will naturally erode the steel inner lining of these machines, which is why their average lifespan is only about ten years.
If you ever notice any unusual popping or crackling sounds, make the smart move and call a Pittsburgh plumber for an inspection. The continual heating and cooling cycles that occur in water heaters also lead to mineral buildup, and this can ultimately result in costly tank malfunction.
If you've ever seen what happens when the bottom of a water heater tank gives out, you know what's at stake. Any and all water leaks that you detect near the base of the machine should never be ignored. Typically, this is regarded as the point of no return and means your device is on its last leg. You'll need a replacement sooner rather than later, so contact our plumbers in Pittsburgh for a free quote.
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