Is Your Water Heater about to Fail?

11/16/2016 (Permalink)

It is common for some to be unaware if there water heater is about to fail. Here are four things you should check.

1.How old is your Water Heater?

-Water heaters typically have a lifetime of about 8-10 years. Locate the serial number to determine how old yours is. The serial number will have a date code such as "F051052638". The letter F would be for the month and since F is the sixth letter in the alphabet it would represent June. the first two digits of the serial number are 05, which represents 2005. So, in this case it was made in June 2005. Each manufacturing has a similar date code.

2. Is there Rusty Water?

-If you notice the hot water is coming out brown, it may be a sign that the Water Heater is beginning to rust out. 

3. Is there a Rumbling and Noise?

-When a Water Heater ages, Sediment will build up on the bottom of the tank. As the sediment is heated and reheated, it eventually will harden. When this happens, you can often hear rumbling or banging sounds coming from the water heater as it heats up. This is a sign that the water heater is at the end of it's useful life.

4. Is there Water around the Water Heater?

-If you notice moisture around your water heater, you may have a small leak or a fracture in the tank. As the metal heats, it expands and if there are slight fractures, water may leak from the tank. when this happens it is best to get it repaired before more damage occurs.