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  • Writer's pictureJolly Plumbing

5 Signs that it’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater

Updated: Jan 3

You wake up in the morning, drink a nice cup of coffee, and hop in the shower, only to discover that the water is freezing cold even though it has been running for a few minutes. Coldwater is incredibly unpleasant, but could also be alluding to problems with your water heater. Water temperature is just one of many symptoms an older water heater can display when it is ready to be replaced.


Sometimes your water heater just needs a tune-up or maintenance work, but most often, it is cheaper to replace your water heater, rather than spending money on extensive repairs. If you’re unsure whether to replace or repair your water heater, a professional Colorado Springs plumbing and heating expert near you will be able to answer that question! If you think it may be time to replace your existing water heater, contact Jolly Plumbing at (719) 473-8545 for Colorado Springs water heater installation.

 

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The best water heaters break down over time, so it is important to keep an eye on your water heater to prevent a complete shutdown. Replacing a worn-down unit will prevent a total loss of hot water in your Colorado Springs home.

 

It can be tricky to predict exactly how long your water heater will last but look for these signs to know when your water heater is coming to the end of its life.


Signs It Is Time For a New Water Heater


Your Water Heater is more than 10 Years Old


For most water heaters, the average life expectancy of a water heater is 8-12 years, but the expectancy varies according to the quality of the initial installation, the previous maintenance schedule, and the water quality. Generally, if your water heater is more than 10 years old, it is time to start checking for signs of aging, which include leaks around the base of the tank, erratic performance, or cold water. You can also ask a local Colorado Springs plumbing and heating expert from Jolly Plumbing to do an inspection and evaluate the age.


More things are likely to go wrong with a water heater after many years of service in your home. Whether individual parts begin to wear out, corrosion occurs or cracks plague your tank, something is bound to go wrong over the years.


Remembering the age of your water heater is key to timely replacement. If you forgot when your current water heater was installed, or if you moved into a Colorado home with an existing water heater, find the serial number label on the water heater. This label includes the month and year when the water heater was manufactured. Manufacturers usually display this information in the form of alphanumeric code. Check the manufacturer’s website for tips on how to decipher your code to find out the age of your water heater.


The Water is Cold


If the water takes a long time to heat up or is consistently cold, this is a sign that it is time for your water heater to be replaced. The shower may feel less warm than usual, or the warmth may not last as long as you would like it to last. While this can be caused by a failed heating element, it could also be caused by mineral sediment that collects and hardens on the bottom of the tank. In any case, a professional Colorado Springs plumber can help you sort through this issue.





You Hear Banging and Clanking Noises


Listen for any noises coming from the water heater whenever it is heating a tank of water. The sediment we talked about earlier can harden at the bottom of the water heater, which causes your water heater to work much harder to heat your water. This increased workload leads to a quick expansion of the water tank, resulting in loud noises and potential damage. Our experienced Colorado Springs water heater repair technicians can help install a new water heater.


Rust Colored Water


Sometimes when water heaters need to be replaced, the water will have a tint to it, appearing brown and rusty. This is a sign that the tank in the water heater has gone bad, and you should call a plumbing and heating expert right away.


There is a rod inside your water heater called the anode rod that keeps your water heater tank in top condition. The anode rod protects your tank by attracting the corrosive elements inside your water. Without the anode rod, those corrosive elements will attack your water tank and the rest of your water system. This rod is constantly rusting away, so naturally, it needs to be replaced every now and then. If the rod is used up, you may experience rust-colored water running from your faucets throughout your home.


Puddles or leaks around the water heater


Inspect the water heater itself and look for any moisture that is seeping through to the outside. If you see water pooling up at the base of the tank, this means that there is a leak and it is time to be replaced. Leaks on water heaters are indicators that the exterior has gone bad, and it should be replaced rather than patched up.

These 5 signs are things that you can look for yourself to evaluate the stage of your water heater. Keep in mind that you do not need to see all 5 occurring at the same time—any one of these symptoms could reveal a damaged water heater. If you are not sure whether or not your water heater needs to be replaced, contact a trustworthy professional who knows the plumbing and heating industry. They will be able to answer your questions and confirm if you need a replacement or not.


Contact an Experienced Colorado Springs Water Heater Repair Company Near You


If you are looking for a trusted Colorado Springs plumber to help you with any water heater issues, contact Jolly Plumbing at (719) 473-8545. These 5 signs are things that you can look for yourself to evaluate the stage of your water heater. Keep in mind that any one of these symptoms could reveal a damaged water heater. If you are uncomfortable doing anything listed above, our team of highly qualified Colorado Springs plumbers is ready to jump in and take care of any needs you may have. Give us a call today!



Jolly Plumbing is your local plumbing and heating company. We promise to offer you upstanding customer service, experienced workers, and a job done right the first time. If you have questions about your water heater, have a leak, or need a replacement, we are here to help. Call Jolly Plumbing today for any Colorado Springs plumbing issues. 


 

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐These guys are the best around. Called them for a hot water heater and they came out the next day. Great response time. Professional installation of my new hot water heater and I'm very satisfied. Not the first time I've used them. Both times were good experiences. Will definitely call them the next time I need a plumber also. You should too. Thanks Jolly Plumbing & Heating. - Joe S. on Google



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