Your water heater is an invaluable appliance in any home and is one that most of us can’t live without. Think of it this way: the water heater is your home’s heart, pumping the precious hot water that is the lifeblood of our showers, washing machines and dishwashers.
It mostly does its job quietly tucked away in a closet or garage, but if it quits pumping, we are quick to notice it. A faulty or inefficient water heater can cause a bunch of problems, from safety and water damage issues to a skyrocketing utility bill. Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric has served the Lubbock, Texas area since 1934 and we want our customers to remain safe with their water hot and ready.
Here are some warning signs that your water heater may need some attention or even replacement:
Leaks
No matter how big or small, this is never a good sign. If you notice a leak of any sort coming from your water heater call a licensed plumbing professional immediately. The last thing you want is for the tank to rupture and spill 30 or 40 gallons of water in your home.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that is a byproduct of burning fuels. If your gas water heater is in need of maintenance or was improperly installed or improperly vented, it could be leaking carbon monoxide. CO poisoning can occur when the leak reaches a dangerous level. If you suspect your water heater may be leaking CO, leave the home, call 911 and schedule a water inspection by a licensed professional.
Inconsistent water temperatures
If your water is cold, gets warm but not hot, or gets scalding hot and setting the thermostat doesn’t seem to fix the problem, call an Armstrong professional. A faulty thermostat or other heating mechanisms may need attention.
Rumbling noises
Over time sediment from the heating process will build up in your tank. Then, when water is heated it will cause the sediment to bubble up or crack, making a rumbling noise. This can result in inefficient operation and eventually damage your tank.
The recommended setting for your water heater is 120 degrees. With an average 40-gallon heater in the average-sized home, it will generally run around three hours per day to meet the hot water demands. This usage will impact your energy bills by around $50 to $60 per month. If your heater is running more often than you think it should or if you see a spike in your energy bills, have one of our professional plumbing technicians perform an inspection.
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT
Sometimes, the best option is to replace the water heater. This is especially true if it is more than 10-12 years old or if you are experiencing constant issues with operation or efficiency. Any of the above issues we talked about can also precipitate replacement, and it’s usually a good idea to be proactive with water heaters so you don’t have an unexpected water damage catastrophe. Better Call Armstrong today and learn all about our full line of tank-style water heaters from A.O. Smith and Rheem and tankless hot water systems by Navien. Also, ask about our Armstrong Service Agreement Plan and keep up with all of your HVAC and plumbing maintenance.
