Water heaters are some of the biggest sources of conveniences for most households. They prevent the shock of an early morning bath, particularly in the cold winter. Plus, they make sure that certain household chores are more physically comfortable to carry out.
While energy authorities in Australia have recognised water heaters as some of the biggest electricity consumers at home (along with HVAC systems and clothes dryers), most people do not mind the cost. What homeowners mind, however, is when water heaters start to fail at the job that they were designed to perform.
Even in such a situation, most homeowners are not quick to buy a replacement. After all, there are reliable hot water repair services available in communities across Australia.
It is crucial to note, though, that it is important to recognise real indicators of wear and tear in water heaters. Knowing what these indicators are can help you avoid potential safety risks and unnecessarily higher energy and water bills every month.
So how will you know if it is finally time for a water heater replacement? Here are four key indicators to look out for.
If you have been using the same water heater for about a decade or longer and it has ceased to function as well as it used to, it’s time to buy a new one.
From Blue Diamond Plumbing’s years of experience, we have found that 10 years is already a long period of service. Therefore, if a water heater has grown less efficient, it’s because its parts have significantly become worn over time, and getting a replacement is better than having the water heater repaired.
It’s important to factor in the better, newer models on the market. Functional features increase in a matter of a decade. You may find that the additional features of more modern models are more suitable for your family’s needs.
When you start seeing rust and water dripping directly from the water heater, it’s time to start looking for a replacement. Any sign of corrosion indicates irreversible wear, which you will not only see in the body of the water heater.
It will also start appearing in the quality of the water released from your taps and showers. You may begin to find small particles or discolouration in your water. As for leaks, these can blow up your water charges every month. Plus, they can lead to further corrosion and safety risks.
When the water heater starts making weird sounds when turned on, this is always an indicator that it’s nearing the end of its functional lifespan. Most of the time, people shush the sounds by banging on the machine, and the noise goes away temporarily. However, you can always expect strange sounds to get worse over time.
At first, you would only hear the noise when you are actually using the heater. But, eventually, the water heater will continuously make sounds even when you have the tap turned off. You can have this issue repaired.
However, if your heater is old, it’s quite likely that the problem will occur again not long after the repair. Instead of paying for frequent repair services, it’s more practical to have the machine replaced with a much newer model.
It’s crucial to include the change in a person’s values and requirements as indicators of a replacement. Say, you have decided to become more environmentally responsible, or you wish to lower your household expenses. These are valid reasons for replacing the water heater you are currently using.
There are so many models of water heaters on the market these days and they have attractive features that better align with specific requirements. For instance, there are solar-powered water heaters that can significantly lower energy consumption; these are ideal options if you’re transitioning to a greener lifestyle. Likewise, there are water heaters that come with their own water purification system, which is highly recommended for people with poor immune systems.
The moment your water heating needs change, it’s the perfect time to start looking for a replacement.
When you are ready to replace your home’s water heater, Blue Diamond Plumbing is ready to help you with this task. As the most trusted master plumbers in Melbourne, we can assist you with everything from choosing the best water heating system for your home according to your unique needs to actually installing the system.
We only want to ensure the best plumbing system for our clients. What’s more, we offer an abundance of plumbing information that can help you. Once you decide to entrust all your plumbing concerns to the professionals, know that we are just a phone call away, or you can book us online. We are available 24/7 to help you with any plumbing concern.