Only one home appliance gets near-constant usage and remains out of sight: the water heater. Generally banished to a basement or garage, it provides warm water for your sinks, shower(s), and bathtub(s). Yet, despite its importance, how often do you inspect your water heater?
In truth, most homeowners forget their system exists until they fail to supply warm water. So if your water suddenly turns cold or rusty, reach out to the professionals at Hicks Plumbing Service. Our team provides water heater repair, replacement, and inspection to homeowners across Fairfax and Northern Virginia. With over 30 years of field experience, our licensed plumbers and technicians bring tried-and-true insights to every job. Plus, our past customers report prompt and reliable customer service; now you, too, can call on Northern Virginia’s most trusted service team.
Below, we outline some of the factors that indicate when you should replace your water heater:
Water Heater Basics
To begin, note that a few varieties exist. As outlined on our website, we usually see electric-powered or gas-powered water heaters in homes. However, these systems give some identical signs of defects as they break down (which we’ll discuss below).
Nevertheless, you should not replace a faulty water heater without examining it. Many water heater problems can be repaired by a Hicks Plumbing professional. Thus, we suggest that you schedule a professional inspection before you decide to replace it.
If properly maintained, one system can last for ten years. And to help with this, Hicks offers water heater maintenance tips and guidance and suggests that you schedule yearly inspections. But even if you reach ten years without signs of breakdown, you should consider replacing that system.
Signs of Breakdown
Speaking of which, keep watch for several signs that indicate your water heater has begun to break down. In both electric-powered and gas-powered models, the most noticeable of these will be a shift in your water’s temperature level. Warm water may come off and on or not at all.
Your home’s water might also only reach a lukewarm temperature. This indicates that your heater struggles to produce (or maintain) sufficient heat. Likewise, water that comes out brownish or rusty should ring an internal alarm.
You might also spot signs of breakdown around the water heater itself: the tank might give off high-pitched whining or rumbling. There may be signs of corrosion. Rust forming on the tank or water leaking from it warns that its structural integrity has failed.
Why Water Heaters Break Down
Our service professionals often hear questions along the lines of, “Why is my water heater malfunctioning?” And you may reasonably wonder why these expensive systems only last around ten years (if well-cared for!).
Keep in mind that your water heater receives near-daily usage. Cleaning, cooking, and yard irrigation all revolve around it. As with any machine, constant use wears down its components.
Also, sediment often builds up and breaks down water heater parts. This occurs when warming water releases minerals that then latch onto the inside of the tank and burner. As these minerals build up, they affect your system’s performance and the water’s quality.
Hicks Plumbing Offers Water Heater Repair and Replacement in Fairfax, VA
If your shower and sink’s water only gets lukewarm, or if your water heater is more than ten years old, reach out to Hicks Plumbing Service. We provide affordable water heater repair, replacement, and inspection along with other sewer and drain services. Fairfax and Northern Virginia residents call us for honest and prompt work, and we answer them 24/7. Reach us today at (703) 803-7466 or fill out our online form!