The Sunny Plumber Phoenix Blog : Posts Tagged ‘Water Heater’

Water heaters are built to last a long time, but they don’t last forever. If your water heater is nearing the end of its life, it’s important that you be able to identify the signs. That way, you can have your system replaced before it can die on you completely. Let’s take a look at some of the more common signs that it’s time to replace your water heater.

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Your water heater is generally hidden out of sight in your home, so it may be difficult to tell whether you need water heater replacement. While problems with your unit are often a sign that you simply need repairs, it may also indicate your unit is too worn to continue running. Call for repairs whenever you notice strange noises, incorrect temperatures, or leaks, but pay attention to the following indicators that you may need to replace your water heater.

• Old Age: Perhaps the most telling sign that your water heater needs replacement is old age. While you should check with your manufacturer for a more accurate timeline, most storage tank water heaters last about 10-15 years while tankless ones may last over 20. If your unit exceeds its expected lifespan, it’s at risk of corrosion or sudden breakdowns, an unfortunate event when you need a hot shower.
• Rust: You turn on the hot water and notice it appears to be a reddish-brown color. Unfortunately, this may be a sign that your unit simply cannot go on. A rusted tank is at risk of troublesome leaks and corrosion. However, sometimes rust may simply mean that the anode rod—a component meant to attract particles that may cause your tank to corrode—has rusted through. This sacrificial rod protects your tank and may only need a quick professional parts replacement.
• Lower Temperatures: Low temperatures may only be a sign of a repair need, such as a broken dip tube or a damaged heating element. But, particularly with an older system, reduced heating ability may mean that you need a new unit. Eventually, the parts of your water heater may become worn down, and, in this case, replacing your tank is often the best choice.

Replacing your water heater is a tough decision that may require some professional advice. An experienced plumber can help you decide when it’s time to give up your older unit and what type of unit might work best for replacement and save you the most money. If you need a new water heater in Phoenix, call the experts at The Sunny Plumber today!

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Your water heater is an integral part of your home, but few homeowners think much about it until it suffers a major breakdown. When it comes to environmental issues with your water heater, Phoenix AZ makes the problem even worse. Our strong heat and dry conditions can wreak havoc on even the most reliable water heater, creating larger issues that require professional attention to address. You can help combat this by keeping your heater well maintained and exercising a few simple steps to improve its performance.

Here’s how to increase your water heater’s efficiency.

• Arrange to have your water heater drained. Over time, scale and sediment can build up in the bottom of your water heater. This forms a barrier between the water and the burners – making it harder to heat the water – as well as contributing to overall corrosion and decay. A trained professional can drain the water heater and remove the build-up before restoring the heater to its normal operating capacity. In towns like Phoenix, it’s probably best to do this at least twice a year, since our dusty weather results in a lot of sediment.
• Add more insulation to your water heater. Placing a layer of insulation around your water heater – as well as around the pipes that connect it – will help the water inside retain the heat better. You can contact a service technician to ask about the types of insulation that work best for your heater, and to have the insulation installed.
• Lower the water heater’s setting. Most manufacturers set their water heater temperatures higher than they need to be, sometimes by as much as 10 or 20 degrees. Set your water heater to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit; it will still get you the heat you need and improve overall efficiency a great deal.

Once you know how to increase your water heater’s efficiency, the next step is to contact a professional who can help you maintain it. The experts at The Sunny Plumber can perform repairs and maintenance on the water heater in your Phoenix AZ home. Pick up the phone and give us a call today!

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