Do I Need A New Water Heater In California?
No matter what time of the year it is, you want to have hot water running in your home. Odds are you rely on a water heater in your home to supply hot water. However, like any appliance, it can get run down and needs some servicing. Sometimes you’ll be able to get by with just some repairs. Other times you’ll have to opt for an entirely new unit. But how do you tell the difference between a minor problem and when you’ll need a new water heater in California?
First, here are some signs your simply need some repairs done:
Heating problems
As you might have guessed, your tank water heater is supposed to heat your water. If it’s not doing that correctly, then you have a problem on your hands. You might have to relight a pilot light for gas models while an electrical one requires a visit to the circuit breaker. If it’s very cold outside, your pipes and tank could just need some insulation. However, if the unit isn’t working despite having power or fuel, the problem might be a worn heating element, faulty thermostat, or sediment build-up.
Too much noise
Since it’s a major appliance, it shouldn’t be too surprising to learn that tank water heaters can make some noise. However, if you hear loud popping, cracking, or rumbling, it’s time to call Crystal Blue. Sediment build-up in the tank is making it hard for the unit to run. If not corrected with a flush and thorough cleaning, the unit might get damaged and start leaking.
Leaks
Leaks are an obvious problem, but they’re an issue homeowners might not notice unless they give their unit frequent visual inspections. If you see water around your unit, check for leaks around the fittings, connections, and temperature-pressure-release (TPR) valve. If those aren’t the problem, your tank may have developed a crack, which is a serious issue.
Rusty water
Is the water in your home looking and tasting rusty? There are two things that could be causing the problem. If your hot and cold water is rusty, the corrosion is in one of your pipes. If it’s just your hot water, chances are your water heater’s inside is getting rusted. Either way, you’ll want to call to immediately call a technician from Crystal Blue to prevent any major damage. Likewise, if your water is cloudy or smells strange, a technician can help with the mineral deposits in your tank.
Mineral problems
Speaking of mineral deposits, they can do a lot more than making the water smell strange. When minerals build up around the heating elements, it can make it hard to heat water or even overheat the tank. In addition, minerals can also block the pipes that carry hot water. If the water pressure in your home seems low, that might be the reason.
Next, here are some more serious problems that’ll require a full replacement:
Age
How long have you owned your water heater? The average tank water heater lasts 10 to 15 years. If your heater is reaching the double digits, it might be getting time to put it out to pasture. You can check the water heater’s serial number if you’re unsure of how old it is. For instance, a serial number starting with ‘0702’ would mean it was made July (07) 2002.
Rusty or muddy water
If your water is a rusty color, that might be a sign the water tank is starting to deteriorate on the inside. When the tank corrodes, rust tends to develop around the tank seams, the temperature and pressure release valves, the water supply line, or the drain valve. If the water is muddy, it’s a sign of sediment build-up in the tank.
Leaking water tank
If there’s standing or leaking water around the tank, call one of our professionals right away. The tank could be experiencing an internal failure or has a crack. There’s no easy fix for this, and you’ll have to replace the tank quickly in order to avoid damage to your home. Make sure you disconnect the electricity or turn off the gas and let the water cool before you remove and replace the tank.
Strange noises
Some noise is normal when a tank water heater is operating. However, if you hear cracks and pops, that’s a problem. Noise issues are generally the result of a buildup of sediment in the tank. As the sediment heats and reheats, it’ll eventually harden at the bottom of the tank. The noises are caused by pockets of the air in the sediment boiling along with the tank’s water. Flushing the tank should clean it, but if the noise persists, your tank might be close to cracking or leaking.
Not enough hot water
Another problem sediment can cause is a lack of hot water. The sediment that builds up on the bottom gets between the burner and the water. This results in colder showers and a harder-working heating element. Eventually, the heater will fail and possibly cause a leak. An annual water tank flushing can alleviate the issue, and consider investing in water conditioning if you have hard water.
Why is Crystal Blue my best choice for getting a new water heater in California?
Crystal Blue Plumbing, Heating, and Air has over 40 years of experience helping the Sacramento area with their plumbing issues. Our job is about customer service and we always abide by strict rules to make sure our customers have the best experience possible, no matter the job. With hundreds of 5-star reviews and several awards, we are honored to bring you our top-quality service. If you’re looking for a new water heater in California, call Crystal Blue today!