Hot water provides a modern convenience to homes. But did you know that hot water in your home also is a health matter? Without hot water, you may not bathe or shower as often as you should because cold showers are never comfortable. Additionally, clothes and dishes don’t get as clean in cold water as they do in hot because hot water can dissolve powder detergents better and more easily clean off stains. Therefore, if the hot water in your home isn’t working like it used to, you need to get your water heater checked and consider the benefits of a new water heater.
Signs That You Need a New Water Heater
When a water heater stops working completely, you will not get any hot water in your home. However, long before this happens, the unit will have several symptoms of failure, which commonly happens with age or hard water deposit buildup.
First, a worn water heater may make crackling noises when it operates. This happens when the heated water breaks up calcium and other mineral deposits on the bottom of the tank.
Secondly, you may notice debris or discolored water coming out of your hot water taps. Again, hard water deposits often cause these issues.
Why Water Heaters Fail
When hard water minerals form a layer inside the water heater, they do so over all surfaces, including the heating elements. Therefore, electric water heaters may have an insulating layer of minerals around them, preventing them from working. Replacing the heating elements will only offer a brief respite. These new elements will quickly have the same build-up and stop heating, too.
Over time, the mineral deposits could chemically react with the metal of the tank and cause a leak. Due to the hot temperatures of the water, you cannot safely patch such a leak. You will need to have the tank replaced.
Often, these problems occur as a water heater ages. Most standard tank models are only designed for a decade of use before you need to replace them. Tankless water heaters, however, can last up to twenty years.
Benefits of a New Water Heater
Whether you choose a gas or electric, tank or tankless water heater, a new model will reduce your heating costs. Older, worn water heaters no longer become efficient in heating water, raising your utility bills. The latest models use less energy.
You will see even greater savings if you replace a tank water heater with a tankless model. The latter only heat water when needed, instead of keeping water hot all the time. Therefore, tankless water heaters use much less energy and last longer.
Contact Best Service Plumber for a New Water Heater or Repairs of Your Existing Unit
If you want hotter water or hot showers that last longer, phone us at Best Service Plumber at 951-356-9631. We can have a plumber come to your home to see if repairing or replacing your water heater will best serve you. If you choose to get a new water heater, we can also install tank or tankless models, depending on your needs. Let us make your home more comfortable and healthier by getting your hot water working again.