The average lifespan of a water heater ranges from 8 to 12 years, typically. However, there are a number of other factors that will affect how long the water heater will actually last. The design, installation, maintenance, location and amount of use will all impact the lifespan of the system.
You obviously know where you live and have control over how often your water heater is serviced, but the other factors are much harder to measure. If you work on the assumption that you will get at least 10 years from your water heater, it will come as a nasty surprise if it fails at the worst possible time.
Unhealthy Noises
It’s normal for your water heater to make noises, so long as they are healthy noises. What you do not want to hear is rumbling or popping coming from your water heater. Either is a sign there is something wrong, and the lifespan of your water heater is at risk of coming to an end prematurely. These strange sounds are indicative of mineral buildup in the system, which is not something you want to ignore.
The first thing you should do is flush the water heater. If the problem is resolved, you can rest assured the minerals have been washed from the tank, for now. If the issue persists, you will need to contact Show Plumbing to prevent permanent damage to your water heater,which will cause it to fail before its time.
Cloudy or Discolored Water
Do not ignore discolored, odorous or cloudy water. When mineral deposits get into your system and find their way into your tap water, it is an early warning sign. Not only is your water heater at risk of damage, so is the rest of your plumbing system. Minerals can build up in your pipes and faucets, clogging the entire system and reducing the flow of water.
You will need to bring in an experienced plumber to rectify the situation before irreversible damage occurs in your water heater. Show Plumbing specializes in water heater maintenance, so we are on hand to help when you need our services.
Pooling Water
Pooled water around the base of the tank most likely indicates there are cracks or fracturesin the water heater. There is a real risk of flooding when this type of damage exists, due to the amount of pressure involved in the operation of a water heater and connected systems.
The other possibility is that the leak is coming from excessive valve pressure, which is of equal concern. It is better to have the water heater serviced by a professional, rather than run the risk of sudden catastrophic failure resulting in flooding,which will damage more than just your plumbing.
Show Plumbing can easily identify and resolve common water heater issues to prolong the lifespan of your system. Purchasing and installing a new water heater is an expensive job, so call Show Plumbing today, if you suspect your system needs some major TLC.