No one likes cold showers especially in winter, but many homeowners are unaware that their water heaters are failing until it’s too late. The best solution is to be aware of the early warning signs that will allow you to decide whether you need a new hot water system or a plumber to repair your existing one. Here are some early signs that your water system might be in trouble.
Fluctuating water temperatures
If a hot water system is functioning correctly, hot water should be accessible whenever the thermostat requests it. If the appliance was previously providing hot water and all of a sudden it is now giving cold water, there is a problem with your hot water system. If you adjust your thermostat and the temperature does not change, your heating element is burning out. In order to continue receiving hot water in your home you will need to get a new hot water system installer. Your system can be replaced as soon as regular fluctuations start to happen by a hot water plumber.
Rust or other fragments
If your hot water heater starts to rust and corrode, mostly inside the water tank, it is probably getting close to the end of its useful life. If there are rust or erosional shards in the water coming from your faucets or shower, your hot water system may be rusted. This is a clear indication that it is worn out, therefore it is better to identify the issue before it worsens and clogs your entire plumbing system. Changes in water flow can indicate a build-up of sediment in your hot water heater. A plumber will be able to descale your water heater and clean out the pipes to resolve the issue.
Leaks & Drips
Leaks or drips are one of the most obvious signs that your hot water system is failing. It is obvious that your hot water system has to be updated if there is water around your appliance or you observe frequent drops. You cannot repair a leaky tank, and if you keep using it, you could soon have flooding or other damage. Leaks might be difficult to detect, but noisy hot water systems are an immediate sign of trouble. It is not concerning if the water heater makes a little noise. But if this noise continues and gets louder over time, it can be a sign that the water heater needs to be replaced.
How old is your system?
How old is your home’s water heater? Your water heater should need to be changed based on how long it has been in use. The average lifespan of a standard water heater should be between 8 and 12 years, depending on how well it has been taken care of. Your hot water system may need to be replaced before it completely fails if it is getting close to its ten-year mark. Your system is possibly consuming more energy and heat for less amounts of water if your power costs are unusually high. In this situation, it would be best to have one of our hot water system specialists replace your unit before more harm is done.
There are numerous different hot water system types and pricing ranges available if you need to replace your water heater. Hunter Eco Plumbing are experts in hot water repairs and replacements Newcastle and Lake Macquarie wide. Check out our Hot Water System page for more information or contact us on 0488 123 034!