5 Signs It’s Time For a New Water Heater
Hot showers, fresh laundry, clean dishes - your water heater holds MVP status in your home! When it’s functioning correctly, it’s easy to take your water heater for granted. However, if you don't plan for proper upkeep, your water heater can go from hero to headache.
Neglecting your water heater’s maintenance can lead to expensive repairs or early replacement. Regular servicing is key to keeping your water heater running smoothly and efficiently, whether you have a conventional or tankless model.
Below, we’ll discuss why routine maintenance is important, outline the differences in servicing conventional and tankless water heaters, and highlight the five tell-tale signs it’s time to call a professional plumber.
Why Water Heaters Need Regular Servicing
Just like any other appliance in your home, water heaters require regular maintenance. For both conventional and tankless systems, yearly professional servicing is essential. A major part of this involves flushing the system to remove sediment buildup, which naturally accumulates over time. Without regular flushing, this sediment can reduce efficiency, increase energy bills, and eventually lead to more serious issues like water pressure loss or tank corrosion. Left unchecked, these problems can cause leaks or require a costly replacement of the entire unit.
Having your water heater professionally serviced ensures all components are checked and functioning optimally. Reliable plumbers like our team at Plumber For Hire will not only flush the system but also inspect for wear and tear, identify potential problems early, and recommend necessary repairs or adjustments.
Water Heater Maintenance: Conventional vs. Tankless
Conventional Water Heaters
Conventional water heaters store heated water in a tank. Over time, these tanks accumulate sediment, especially in areas with hard water like Northwest Louisiana. This buildup can cause your water heater to use more energy and eventually lead to damage.
Routine maintenance involves flushing the tank, checking the heating elements (electric models), or inspecting the burner (gas models).
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters heat water on demand rather than storing it in a tank. While this makes them more energy-efficient, they’re not completely maintenance-free. Mineral buildup can affect the heat exchanger and reduce efficiency. Additionally, strange noises or vibrations may signal motor issues. A professional plumber can descale the unit and ensure all components are clean and functioning properly, extending the life of your water heater and preventing any disruption to your service.
5 Signs It’s Time to Service Your Water Heater
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to schedule a water heater service appointment with a reliable professional like Plumber For Hire:
1. Unusual Noises
Banging, popping, or rumbling sounds? This is a common sign of sediment buildup in conventional water heaters. The trapped sediment causes the heater to struggle, creating noise. For tankless units, noises often indicate a motor issue or mineral buildup in the heat exchanger.
2. Insufficient Hot Water
Are your showers ending in cold water faster than usual? Insufficient hot water is a clear indicator that something is wrong. For electric heaters, it often points to failing heating elements. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, may have a scaling issue reducing its efficiency.
3. Leaks
Water pooling around your water heater or visible drips from the tank or connections indicate a leak. This can result from corrosion, a faulty pressure relief valve, or loose connections. Ignoring leaks can lead to serious water damage or a failing unit.
4. Discolored or Foul-Smelling Water
Brown, rusty, or discolored water coming out of your faucets means your water heater likely needs a flush. Rusty water could also indicate corrosion in the tank. Additionally, a rotten egg smell often points to bacteria growing in the tank due to poor maintenance.
5. Rising Energy Bills
If your utility bills keep climbing but your water usage hasn’t changed, your water heater might be the culprit. Sediment buildup or malfunctioning components force the water heater to use more energy to heat water, costing you more each month.
Trust the Professionals at Plumber for Hire
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s critical to get your water heater serviced sooner rather than later. Expert maintenance not only prolongs the lifespan of your unit but also ensures it operates safely and efficiently.
At Plumber for Hire, we’ve built a reputation for being affordable, reliable, and professional. Our certified plumbers specialize in both conventional and tankless water heaters, and we’ve proudly helped Shreveport-Bossier homeowners keep their systems running smoothly for decades.
From routine maintenance to complex repairs, we’re here to provide you with peace of mind. And with our transparent pricing, you’ll never worry about hidden fees.
Don’t wait! Get your water heater professionally serviced today.
Call Plumber For Hire For A Quote Today!
