A long-overdue water heater replacement not only could result in costly damage to your home, but it may also bring about accidents and electrocution hazards as well!
This is why you should look out for certain telltale signs that it’s time to get a new one.
The most obvious, straightforward sign that your water heater may need replacing is that your heater could no longer generate hot water. Whenever you turn on the tap, the water turns out lukewarm or even cold.
Failing to dispense hot water indicates that its internal mechanisms have become worn or damaged. Upon inspection, you may be able to have the damaged part fixed, but this may not be the most ideal option.
You may have heard people mention that an average water heater requires a change every 10 years. This can vary depending on the manufacturer and how frequently your water heater is used.
However, if the water heater you own is older than 20 years, it’s usually better to get a replacement. The water heater may still be working adequately, but a failure is bound to happen soon. On a side note, an age-old heater may take up more energy when it’s running, which can burn a hole in your pocket.
With time, minerals in the water will cause the inside of your tank to corrode, thus forming rust. This is why the appearance of rust-coloured water or water with a metallic odour is a major red flag. As for a cloudy discharge, it may indicate the beginning of sediment buildups in your water heater.
Leaks are usually the result of pressure buildup. This happens when the water pressure or temperature of the water heater becomes too high, or when the heater’s relief valve is not working correctly.
Signs of leaks include moisture or puddles around the water heater’s base and water erosion on the side of the tank.
The culprit of banging or thundering sounds is sediments. As a heater age, sediment builds up on the bottom of the tank and slowly hardens. When water moves the sediments around, loud noises can be heard. If left unattended, those sediments will cause cracks and leaks, which will then bring extensive damage to the entire tank area.
Another excellent way to know when a water heater needs to be changed is to keep track of your utility bill. If the heater is working inefficiently, expect a sharp increase in your electricity and water bills.
You can keep track of the cost and time needed to repair the heater over the course of a year as well. The water heater in your home should not need to be fixed more than twice a year. Arrange for a new installation if you’re facing frequent reparation.
Proper maintenance is vital to preserve and extend the life of any water heater. Without regular upkeep, you may have to repair or replace it sooner than usual.
Under proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last 6 to 12 years, while a tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years.
To keep your water heater in tip-top condition, the tank should be drained, flushed, and cleaned at least once a year. If you live in an area with hard water, consider having your water heater serviced every six months.
Rheem Malaysia offers a wide range of water heaters for both residential and commercial uses.
We have been in the water heating industry for almost 100 years. Through the years, we have constantly manufactured innovative water heating solutions for our consumers.
With over 1,000,000 water heaters installed across Southeast Asia, you can trust us to deliver quality, innovative, and advanced water heating solutions to you.
See more at https://www.rheemmalaysia.com/
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