Although most signs that your water heater is failing are more annoying than anything, there is one symptom that could signal a serious issue – unusual smells coming from your water.
If the water smells funny or a rotten egg smell, magnesium and sulfate-reducing bacteria are often to blame. They grow inside the tank. And there are bacteria that can cause illness too. Keeping your water heater at the right temperature is crucial for staving off bacteria growth.
A new water heater helps keep your family healthy because older models struggle to keep the water at a hot enough temperature to kill off bacteria.
5 Problems of Old Water Heater That Can Affect Your Health
When disaster strikes your water heater, when it rains, it pours (sometimes literally). Some other dangers of ignoring your aging hot water heater.
1. Mold Growth from Leaks
If you suspect that you’re dealing with a leaky water heater, then your water heater is also vulnerable to mold growth. That’s because water and moisture are the two most important elements mold will need in growing.
Not only does a growing mold problem present a real health risk, but it can also become a structural issue in your home. If you spot signs of a leak, like water on the floor around your water heater or hummed up at the foot of your unit, do deal with it right away to stave off mold.
2. Nesting Critters
An older water heater also runs the risk of becoming a welcoming place for critters looking to the nest. Nothing like the warmth of a hot water heater and Small animals will nest around a hot water heater. This is especially likely if your unit is outdoors or in a space open to the outside.
Rats and mice can chew through anything and do all sorts of damage – tearing through wires, chewing through insulation on wires and the wires themselves. It not only affect your water heater but also is a fire hazard! To avoid this from occurring, take steps to keeps your water heater area clear and clean of debris. If you see chewing and nesting damage, then it’s time to shop for a new water heater.
3. Electrical Shortages and Outages
With an electric water heater, in time, you will likely observe more power interruptions and shortages. This is because, as an electric water heater ages, its heating element can short circuit. When this occurs, it can trigger a circuit breaker or burn out a fuse.
Blocked Valves
Older water heaters, on the other hand, may struggle to maintain water pressure as their valves wear out. Sediment and minerals can accumulate in the valves over time, blocking them. This can result in a loss of water pressure or a total shutdown of hot water.
Overheating
This can be due to sediment buildup in the tank, or hard water buildup on the element. Because the burners have to work harder to get the water to the right temperature they stay on longer which leads to high temperatures. This can cause serious issues for faceless systems, like a skin burn from overheated water and, in some cases, fires.
Do I Need to Replace My Water Heater Before it Fails?
It all comes down to whether you enjoy consistent hot water or not. If your hot water heater shows early signs of failure and you choose to wait until it is nonfunctional to replace it, you may be up to several days without hot water.
Getting ahead of it before it turns into an emergency is going to be saving you money and convenience down the line.” It can also prevent damage to your home. A ruptured hot water heater could dump 50 gallons or more of water inside your home or garage. Making a snap decision under the gun can also leave you with regrets, too.
Advantages of a New Hot Water Heater
Even though hot water heaters are not very complicated there is always new technology that can save you money. Most hot water heaters now are more energy efficient which will save you money on your energy bill. They also last longer, and some of them are covered by warranties lasting as long as 12 years.
Tankless water heaters are another great choice. Since these types of water heaters do not have a water tank and heat water only when you require it, you get a longer life span as well. They are also very energy efficient, but they can cost more than a traditional hot water heater as well.
It is always better to contact a professional if you have any worries that your water heater is on the fritz. They’ll be able to help you diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Water Heater Inspection & Replacement in Albuquerque
Deciding when to replace your water heater involves plenty of considerations, which is why the Day & Night Plumbing, Heating and Cooling professionals are here to help. You have the best and most efficient water heaters around your home or business; and that’s because we carry a variety of hot water heaters.
You can save yourself the expense and decreased repairs by having your current water heating system consistent maintenance checkup before your unit has problems. Whatever you need, we’re always just a phone call away.
If you are shopping for a new water heater or just have some questions about the one you have, Day & Night Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can help. We have been serving the Albuquerque area for over 20 years and our experience is reflected in the quality of our work. Give us a call today!
