Keeping Your Plumbing Flowing Smoothly

If you deal with plumbing clogs on a regular basis, you might find yourself struggling with bent wire hangers, chemical drain cleaner, and unfamiliar pipes. Unfortunately, unless you are a trained professional, all of your efforts might be in vain. Most people don't realize it, but it is possible to damage your plumbing by making a few missteps. If you use the wrong chemicals or you push a little too hard, you might end up dealing with damaged pipes or your clogging problem could get worse. Fortunately, you might be able to use this blog to help you to keep your plumbing flowing smoothly.

Beyond Age: Other Signs That Mean You Should Replace A Water Heater

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A traditional water heater (with a tank) can last about 8 to 12 years with good care. Therefore, most people know they need to replace their water heating systems around the ten-year mark. However, you shouldn't just rely on age to tell you when to replace the water heater. Below are some of the telltale signs that mean your water heater's time is up.

The Heater Is Noisy

As your water heater ages, it may start emitting more noises than before. Water heaters often become noisy when sediment builds up in the tank, and they may trap gases and liquids under them. As the water heater tries to heat up the water, the trapped fluids burst out of the sediment and make noise. The internal explosions weaken your water heater and can easily damage the tank. Therefore, if your water heater has started making noises, it is just a matter of time before leaks occur.

The Heater Is Rusty

The hot temperatures and constant exposure to moisture make your water heater a prime candidate for rust. Although heaters come with some rust-proofing measures, these are not perfect and can break down after some years of use. The rust will eat into the metallic tank and reduce its effective diameter and strength. Such a tank can leak or fail at any time. You should suspect that your water heater is rusty if it starts producing brown water.

The Heater Is Inefficient

Heating inefficiency is one of the first signs of a water heater nearing the end of its life. In such a case, you may run out of hot water faster than you normally do (without a change in hot water use). You may also notice that your hot water has inconsistent temperatures — it might fluctuate between being warm and cold. Even your electricity bill may hike as the water heater begins to consume a lot of energy.

Sediment buildup is a common cause of water heater inefficiency. If that is the case with your water heater, you might be able to salvage the situation simply by cleaning the tank. If the water heater is old, however, you might discover other damages during the cleaning that call for the system's replacement.

The Heater Leaks

A leaking water heater can cause water damage to your house, increase your energy bills, and reduce the volume of hot water available in your house. Apart from accidental damage and high pressure, aging is another common cause of water heater leaks. Thus, if your water heater is aging and leaking, you should start budgeting for a new system.

For more information, contact a plumber near you.

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12 July 2019