The average water heater should last ten to fifteen years with proper maintenance. Eventually, it will need to be replaced. Wouldn't it be nice if you could tell your water heater was failing before you get up one morning to a freezing cold shower? Fortunately, there are often warning signs if you know what to look for.
This warning sign is fairly obvious but is worth repeating. If your family normally takes five hot showers each morning, but can now only three or four, your water heater is definitely making and/or storing less hot water. You want to get this problem addressed sooner rather than later. Or one morning, you'll get zero hot showers!
If you run a hot water faucet on full blast, then do the same for the cold water, the water volume or pressure should be about the same. There could be a slight pressure difference due to the added equipment on the hot water line, like an expansion tank for example. But that pressure drop would be very slight and probably not noticeable by the human eye. If you have noticeably less volume on the hot water it could be an indication of corrosion build up in the water heater. This corrosion will only get worse, and if not removed, cause your water heater to fail.
If you have any concerns about your water heater please give us a call. If any existing problem areas can be caught before the water heater fails, they can often be repaired. Scale can be removed and the heating elements can be replaced. Both are less expensive than a new water heater. If your water heater has already failed, we can help you decide on a replacement unit, and can handle the installation for you. If we can help you in any way, please give us a call!
Give us a call today!