Is My Water Heater About to Fail?

An old water heater might fail anytime and at the most unexpected moment (e.g. when you’re about to prepare for work early in the morning or after an exhausting day when your patience is really low). As a result, it’s crucial to watch out for the signs before that inevitable breakdown.

Is my water heater about to fail

In general, it’s recommended to replace a water heater that’s already running for 10 years. Aside from its potential failure anytime now, the age and natural deterioration can make heating much less efficient. This means you’re paying more for fuel or electricity or the water won’t get hot enough for your daily needs. It could only be lukewarm or that the unit is consuming much more fuel or electricity.

You should also watch for rusty water coming out. Both the pipes and internal components are metallic which means they undergo corrosion (internal environment has water, oxygen and metal for rust to form). It’s a chemical reaction wherein the iron intact gets converted to a brown form we know as rust. Some of that brown iron would then detach from the main body or pipe and go along with the water. The result is rusty water that comes out of the unit. Upon inspection and if the corrosion is extensive (i.e. beyond repair), it’s now time to replace the affected parts or even the entire unit. It’s good to ask for what options are available so you can make an economic decision.

Some homeowners also decide for water heater replacement when they hear an alarming noise whenever the water heater runs. Often, this goes hand in hand with the unit’s age and lower efficiency. That’s because the water heater needs to work harder (and thereby consume more electricity or fuel) and the noise could be the result of friction, sediments and the mechanical parts. With overwork and too much heating, the metal parts become brittle which could then result in a leak. Even small leaks can lead to the full replacement of your water heater.

It’s crucial to have your water inspected if you suspect it’s about to fail. Aside from efficiency, the prompt inspection can also help with safety. For example, leaks could be coming from the gas pipes or there are faulty electrical connections. You can contact us here at NSW Hot Water for such inspection. We can also do the repair and give you technical advice whether the unit should be replaced by a more efficient one.