A hot water heater exposed to average usage will last anywhere from ten to fifteen years. However, if you have an above average usage for an extended period of time, you may notice that your hot water heater is acting strange, or you run out of water when you normally wouldn’t. So how do you tell when this warrants a call to your local plumber in Tacoma and when this is normal? Here are three clues that you may need to contact plumbers about replacing your hot water heater in Tacoma.
Your hot water has a funny smell or color.
When a hot water heater is ready to be replaced, it will often change the color of the hot water in your home. Many times the water will turn a shade of red, black, or grey and have a rusty or musty odor. In these cases, your cold water will still be clear and odor free, because it does not pass through the hot water heater before it comes out of the faucet. If this is happening, call a Tacoma plumber and schedule an appointment as soon as possible because there can be some yucky stuff seeping into the water your family is using!
You run out of hot water quickly.
The average home’s hot water heater is more than equipped and capable of supplying a family with enough hot water to see them through their day’s activities without running out. Even if the hot water tank is occasionally empty, but still functioning properly, it will reheat quickly and your family will hardly notice the difference. If you are constantly running out of hot water, it’s time to call a plumber to discuss the possibility of replacing your hot water heater.
You see visible signs of corrosion or rust around the hot water heater.
Hot water heaters are made of very durable steel and should not rust or corrode with normal usage. Whenever you encounter signs of corrosion on your hot water heater, you will probably need to call a plumber to come and install a new hot water heater in Tacoma.
Hot water heaters are generally long lasting and there are several things that an experienced plumber may be able to do before they have to recommend a replacement, so don’t panic if you discover you need to call a plumber to inspect yours!
