Water heaters in Sarasota homes help make modern life possible. How different would it be if homeowners could not access hot water at the turn of a tap or instantly enjoy hot water for a shower? Of course, over time, water heaters degrade and, eventually, they will need to be replaced. For those unsure if it’s time to replace this critical piece of equipment, here are five signs it’s time to consider the installation of a new water heater in Sarasota.
It’s Over a Decade Old
Perhaps the simplest sign that a homeowner might need to consider a new water heater installation in Sarasota is if the existing water heater is over 10 years old. On average, water heaters only last between 10 and 15 years. Older water heaters are living on borrowed time and should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid outages, or worse, leaks. Not sure how old the water heater is? Check the side of the tank for a manufacturer label. This should include the installation date for the tank. If the date is missing or the label has been removed, use the serial number to verify the age with the manufacturer.
Discolored Water
Another excellent sign that a new water heater might be necessary is discolored water when the hot water is turned on. This can appear orange or even red, but the culprit is the same – rust. This is a good sign that the interior of the water heater has been compromised and it should be replaced immediately. Note that discolored water can occur for other reasons, but rust forming inside the tank due to a compromised lining is the most common reason.
Leaks and Repairs
Water heaters don’t have many moving parts, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t subject to wear and tear. Any number of components can wear out over time and require replacement, ranging from the thermostat to the pressure relief valve. Depending on whether the water heater is gas-fired or electric, other components that can fail include the burner or immersion heater(s). As water heaters age, more and more components will need to be replaced, up to and including the anode rod inside the tank. If a water heater needs frequent repairs or experiences frequent leaks, it is probably more cost-effective to replace it.
Amount of Hot Water Available
Sometimes, homeowners notice that the amount of hot water available to them declines over time. This goes above heavy use, like running the dishwasher and then trying to take a hot shower right afterward. Usually, this indicates a build-up of sediment at the bottom of the water heater tank. The more sediment is present, the less water the tank can hold. Some sediment can be removed through regular maintenance or a call for water heater repair in Sarasota, but in some cases, sediment may be too hardened to be removed by flushing and a new water heater will be necessary. Note that a limited amount of hot water available may also be caused by other issues, including failing immersion heaters, damaged or corroded burners, and more.
Standing Water
Water should stay inside the water heater. If a homeowner notices standing water outside the tank, such as in the catch pan under the water heater or on the floor around it, this is a sign that the tank needs to be replaced immediately. As the tank heats and cools, the metal expands and contracts. Over a long time, this can create tiny cracks in the metal, allowing water to leak out. These cracks cannot be repaired.
Who to Call?
For homeowners facing the prospect of water heater service, repair or installation in Sarasota, it can seem daunting to choose the right plumber. At Crisp Plumbing, we’ve served customers in and around Sarasota for a long time. We’re also locals – we’re your friends and neighbors. From water heater service in Sarasota to new installations, we can handle it all. Homeowners facing situations like no hot water or catastrophic leaks should contact us immediately. We offer 24-hour service to handle any type of plumbing emergency, and we can repair or replace your failing water heater quickly and professionally. We also back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
