Your water heater does best with regular maintenance from a professional plumber. This annual service gives you the opportunity to notice quickly and take care of possible problems. One such issue is a rusty bottom on tank water heaters.
Rust can take root in different places on your water heater and may be the result of ill-fitted connections. But rust on the bottom of your water heater’s tank can be evidence of a more complicated problem. We recommend contacting a professional like Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air to discover if the tank’s interior liner has degraded. This happens after the anode rod fails. When functioning normally, the anode rod pushes out impurities from the water.
When your tank has rusted, it’s wise to schedule water heater replacement. Otherwise, you risk having your home flooded with gallons of water when the tank fails.
Here are several other signs that your water heater is beginning to fail.
4 Clues You Call for Water Heater Replacement
While your water heater can’t share exactly when it’s going to break, these are typical signs that it’s going out.
1. Age
A quality water heater usually lives for around 10 years. If yours is around this age or older, it’s a wise idea to look into replacing it even if it’s still working. That way, you can avoid a lack of hot water or a mess if the tank leaks.
2. Rusty Water
This is evidence that your water heater’s tank is rusted down. Your water might taste unpleasant or stain your clothes when you wash them. While rust isn’t always harmful, it affects your water quality and might also stain your bathroom fixtures.
3. Reduced Hot Water
Your water heater should provide a steady supply of hot water, even if you’re showering and washing clothes at the same time. If you find yours is struggling even with minimal use, it’s time to get a replacement.
4. Strange Sounds
When your water heater’s anode rod fails, sediment appears in the tank. As a result, your water heater must work harder to heat water. This can result in clanging or knocking sounds, as well as bigger energy bills.
Tankless Water Heaters vs. Tank? What’s Ideal for My Home?
Our trusted plumbers will discuss what’s best for your specific needs and your home. When considering hot water heater replacement, they’ll help you pick between tankless water heaters and tank models. Here are a few of the key differences.
Tank Water Heaters
Tank water heaters are the most common type. They have a dedicated supply of hot water, which is better-suited for heavy or frequent use. While these water heaters are the most affordable, they have some downsides. They are large and constantly heating water, which is less energy efficient. And with a life span of about 12 years, they must be replaced more regularly than a tankless model.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are prized for their energy efficiency since they heat water on demand. Because they don’t have a tank, they can be hidden in tight spaces, like under your sink or in a closet. As an extra bonus, they typically last twice as long as a tank model. However, it’s wise to note they’re frequently more expensive than tank models. But this cost can be replenished with rebates since many models are ENERGY STAR® rated.
Depend on Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air for Excellent Water Heater Replacement
Hot water heater replacement cost isn’t cheap. In fact, connecting a new heater can cost several thousand dollars, in particular if you want a tankless model.
That’s why we offer an Advantage Program™ for your water heater. For one low monthly cost, you’ll earn a brand new one installed at no added cost. There’s no down payment or large initial expense, and you’ll get to subtract any applicable rebates.
As a valued member, you’ll have access to 24/7 emergency service at no charge. Diagnostic, parts and labor fees are waived as well.* You’ll even have the flexibility to update your water heater tank size or style based on your family’s evolving needs.**
To learn more about our process for water heater replacement in San Antonio, give us a call at 210-404-4233 today. Our Experts are ready to help however we can.
*See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. **New monthly rate will apply.