What Are The Signs To Know That It’s Time To Replace The Water Heater

by Anna Rose Blogger

The cost of water heating forms a crucial part of your household budget. This cost can go even higher up if you are stuck with a faulty heater in your home. One of the common concerns that people have is that they are not sure when the heater needs a replacement. Truth be told, there is no specific time limit, after which you should change the heater. However, several signs can tell you that the device is on its last days, and some of those signs are discussed below.

What Are The Signs To Know That It’s Time To Replace The Water Heater

Water Fails To Be As Hot As Earlier

This happens when the insides of the tank have corroded, leading to a deterioration of the dip tube, overloading of the gas valve, or the coating of the electric elements. When there is a shortage of hot water, it is a clear sign that your tank has lived out its days, and you need a new heater.

A Leaking Heater But The Leak Is Not Visible

If your heaters are more than ten years old and you are unable to find the leak, then it is probably coming from a welded joint, a side-wall seam, a rusted thread. These are not the things that you can repair, and thus, you have no other option than replacing the tank.

The Gas Pilot Fails To Stay Lit

In this case, the problem mostly lies with the gas valve or thermocouple of your heater. The top of a thermocouple that has been installed properly must stay at the most half-inch inside the pilot flame. This offers enough energy to power the electromagnet that keeps the pilot valve open. When the thermocouple is not fitted properly or damaged, the valve will not get enough power to remain open. If the problem lies with the electromagnet, then changing the thermocouple will not work. You need a new gas valve in this case, and that is just not worth the money if the tank is outside the warranty.

Unable To Release Water Through The Drain Valve

The heaters need to be drained at least once a year to remove the sediments. If you fail to do this, then it will not be long before one layer of sediment builds up to multiple layers. This will deteriorate the bottom of the tank and not let the flame reach the water. If you are unable to drain the tank because it is so full of sediments, it is time to get a new tank.

Do not leave the heater unattended and unchecked if you notice any of these signs. Get the heater checked from competent professionals without any further delay.