Thursday, July 18, 2013

Effective Tips For Water Heater Replacement

By Brian Winters


Replacing a water heater without the help of a specialist requires you to have the right knowledge and tools in doing so. However, a thorough inspection is necessary to see whether your water heater needs to be replaced immediately. There are many signs as to when it's time to start looking for a replacement unit. Look at different areas of your water heater to check the severity of the damage.

If you think you have been using your water heater for a long time, you may want to consider buying a replacement unit anytime soon. A gas-fired heater can last 8 to 12 years while an electric water heater lasts up to 15 years. Old water heaters have lesser heating efficiency but consume more electricity than they used to.

A replacement unit is badly needed once you see rusty-colored water coming out of your tank. Sediments may have been sitting at the bottom of the tank for a long time, causing water to contaminate. Usually, discolored water comes with a foul odor filled with harmful chemicals and bacteria at the same time. When this happens, it is better to replace the unit immediately. Ingesting germ-filled water can cause several health issues to you and your family.

Check the heating element if your unit is producing insufficient hot water for your household. Open the hot water supply valve after allowing water to heat for a few hours. Doing this helps you inspect if your temperature dial is working properly. If the problem persists, contact a specialist right away.

Hearing strange noises can be dangerous, especially if it's continuous after draining the tank. However, hearing a little noise doesn't always mean the tank is malfunctioning. When in doubt, contact a specialist before the problem escalates.

If your water heater is experiencing varying temperatures, check if the thermostat is set correctly. You can change the settings by adjusting the dial between 115 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing this avoids scalding the skin, especially if you have elderly and children at home. Do not adjust the thermostat once you have a stable temperature.

The internal tank can corrode easily if the sediments at the bottom of the tank are not removed immediately. Prevent this from happening by checking the anode rod every 2-3 years. This sacrificial rod serves like a magnet that absorbs all charged water molecules inside the tank. Doing this prevents your tank from completely corroding. Once you see metal wiring around the rod, replace it as soon as possible.

Consider the size of the replacement unit to see if it meets your hot water demands. Nowadays, there are a lot of modern units that come in many sizes. A larger tank is recommended for those who use hot water frequently. If you want to save space, search for tankless water heaters that heat water only on demand. They can cost more, but are more durable compared to traditional units.

If you need help in choosing the best water heater for your household, call a specialist for professional advice.




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