When your old water heater is about to go bad, you may not know until it’s too late. Tons of our customers have questions about this … Let’s answer them!
Signs of a bad water heater
Noticing the signs and symptoms a water heater that needs replacing is of course going to be your first step. Here are common signs that something is wrong with your water heater:
- The water has a strange brownish color/tint. This indicates rust in the heater.
- There is a gurgling noise coming from the heater. The gurgling is caused by hard water particles heating up inside the tank. This could also produce a popping sound, almost like popping popcorn.
- There is water pooled around the heater. This of course indicates a leak. We recommend that you check up on your water heater periodically, and the rest of your HVAC system, to make sure nothing is leaking!
- These are the main indicators that something is wrong with your water heater, but of course if you suspect anything, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Give us a call if you’re not sure: (248) 986-1506
How long does a water heater last?
If nothing is wrong with your water heater, how long should it last? Well, it’s hard to give a straight answer to this question. Even if your water heater shows no signs of failing, it will still only last between 6 years and 13 years. We encourage people to start thinking about replacement after around 8 to 10 years, for this reason.
How does a water heater work?
In a traditional tank water heater, a burner or a heating element at the bottom of the tank heats up the water. It works great, but the tank is going to be slowly, slowly corroding. To help prevent this, there is a device called an “anode rod,” whose job it is to attract corrosion particles. That way, the particles stick to the rod, instead of sticking to the water tank itself and eating away at it. But after a certain number of years, eventually the rod has collected too much corrosion and doesn’t work anymore. At this point, the corrosion particles start to eat the bottom of your water heater!
Let H.A. Sun bring you hot water
Do you have questions about your current water heater, or about potentially getting a new one installed? Here at H.A. Sun, we’re happy to answer any questions you have. We are the best in Bloomfield Hills for all of your HVAC needs, and we’re expanding our plumbing services too. Contact us online, or call to learn more: (248) 986-1506!
