Winter is coming! (Cue the dramatic Game of Thrones memes!)
For many homeowners, winter means more time inside celebrating the holidays with family and friends. It also means more time in front of the TV, holiday gatherings, and other activities that result in increased hot water demand. If your existing water heater cannot supply enough hot water to meet this demand, you may end up with cold showers or even running out of hot water altogether.
If your household is like many others, you probably aren't thinking about needing a new water heater. But rest assured, even if you’re feeling complacent in your life of hot showers, the cold winter months will eventually sneak up on you. When you least expect, your hot water heater can go out – forcing you to sing the Cold Water Blues this Christmas.
To avoid this dilemma, inspect and ensure you have a working heater before winter sets in. Here are some signs that may indicate it's time to replace your hot water tank and what you can do to make sure the cold stays outside your home this winter.
Your Water is Always Cold
The Sign: Have you noticed that your water is always cold – or, at best, lukewarm? Nothing can ruin a holiday gathering more than no hot water. One of the first signs of a faulty heater is cold or lukewarm water.
The Problem: If your water is always cold, you probably have a faulty hot water tank. This can occur due to various issues, from a malfunctioning thermostat to a corroded heating element.
The Solution: If your water heater isn't working correctly, then it's time to get a new one.
Usually, you can tell that your hot water tank is broken and needs replacing if the water doesn't reach a temperature of at least 60˚C (140˚F). You should also consider replacing it if the water doesn't reach a temperature of at least 50˚C (122˚F) within 30 minutes.
You Need to Turn Your Hot Water Heater Up Higher and Higher
The Sign: While you may notice that the water is getting cooler, it's possible that this phenomenon will occur later in the cycle. This often occurs as a result of frequent use – after all, if you have a family of four, everyone is going to want a shower!
The Problem: If your hot water tank doesn't have enough hot water to make it through the day, then you need a bigger tank or one with a higher capacity. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that more people are home over the winter months, meaning increased hot water demand.
The Solution: If your family has more than two members who shower every day, then you probably won't consider getting a larger water heater.
Bear in mind that the size of your hot water tank will affect how often you need to replace it. If you have a small or medium-sized tank, then you should replace it every three to ten years, depending on how much hot water is consumed at your home.
Your Water Heater is Old... Like Really Old
The Sign: If your hot water tank is over 10 years old, then you may need to start thinking about buying a new one. The older your hot water tank is, the more likely that it's breaking down.
The Problem: Many manufacturers recommend replacing a hot water tank after 10 years of use since this is when they are at their least efficient.
However, other factors may come into play to determine whether you should replace or repair your hot water tank. For example, if you live in a high-temperature climate or use your heater a lot, then you may need to replace it less frequently than 10 years.
The Solution: The best way to know how long to wait before replacing a hot water tank is to have a professional come and inspect it after ten years of use. If they find that there are no problems with it, then you can wait another five years before having the same professional come back and inspect it again.
However, if they notice that your hot water tank is faulty in any way, then you should replace or repair your heater immediately. (Hint: BL3 Plumbing professionals are certified in hot water tank inspections, so be sure to have one come and inspect yours.)
Your Hot Water Tank is Corroded & Rusty
The Sign: Another sign that your hot water tank may be on its way out is if it's corroded or rusty. This usually occurs when the calcium in the water has been allowed to remain in contact with the tank for too long. This can cause rust to build up around hot water tanks, which leads to significant problems inside the heater itself.
The Problem: Corroded or rusty heating elements are extremely dangerous because they release carbon monoxide into your home's air supply. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that you cannot see or smell, and it's commonly known as the "silent killer." Carbon monoxide can cause neurological damage, respiratory problems, and even death.
The Solution: If you suspect that your hot water tank is corroded or rusty, then contact a BL3 Plumbing professional immediately to inspect it. They should be able to clean the corrosion from the heating element and drain pipes, which will ensure that your home is safe from the effects of carbon monoxide.
Water is Leaking From the Hot Water Tank
The Sign: If your hot water tank begins to leak, then it may be time to replace it. A leaking hot water tank can lead to major problems in your home if ignored.
The Problem: Leaking hot water tanks are one of the most common causes of water damage and flooding in homes. This is because they let the water in your tank seep out at a steady yet uncontrolled rate.
The Solution: If you notice that your hot water tank is leaking, then contact a plumbing professional immediately. They should be able to repair or replace your heating unit with little difficulty and ensure that it doesn't flood your home ever again.
Your Hot Water Tank is Frozen
The Sign: If you turn on your hot water tank, but nothing happens, then the problem may be the unit itself. However, if you turn it on and notice that there's no hot water at all, then you could have a plumbing problem instead. Either way, this is something that should be addressed immediately.
The Problem: When the cold weather sets in, your hot water tank may begin to freeze if it's not sufficiently insulated. A hot water tank that freezes can lead to extensive internal damage and even leaks.
The Solution: If you suspect that your hot water tank is frozen, then contact a BL3 Plumbing professional for assistance. They will be able to tell whether the heater is frozen up, which can cause problems in your home. If it's frozen, they should turn the heat back on and ensure that everything is running smoothly.
Don’t Let Hot Water Failure Scrooge Your Christmas
Commonly, many people find themselves facing emergencies during the holidays. Whether it's a burst pipe or a blocked drain, there are usually complaints of clogged toilets and overflowing sinks throughout this period. However, surprisingly enough, hot water heater failure is one of the biggest issues that plumbers face during the holidays.
Hot water heaters aren’t to be taken lightly, as they are something that can really scrooge your Christmas. That's why you should consider having a plumber give your heater an inspection before the winter season hits.
When your hot water heater begins to fail, it's vital to take quick action so that you don't lose the functionality of this appliance for months at a stretch. You can opt for hiring a professional plumber, such as BL3 Plumbing, who will be able to do an inspection in your home and let you know whether the heater is a lost cause or can be fixed.
It's in these situations where hot water heater failure affects Christmas the most. Without access to hot water, you'll find yourself unable to take showers or do laundry, which means an unpleasant experience for all members of the household, especially over the holidays.
Keeping Your Hot Water Tank in Top Condition
A hot water tank can last anywhere from 8 to 12 years, but that number depends mainly on the quality of maintenance and cleaning that it receives. A dirty and poorly maintained heat exchanger can reduce its useful lifespan by as much as half, which is why it's essential to make sure your heater stays in good condition.
When your hot water tank needs to be replaced, you can count on the trained technicians at BL3 Plumbing to provide excellent services promptly. They will make sure that your home is kept warm and cozy through the winter months by installing a new unit for you. If you need a fast replacement or a diagnostic inspection for an older unit, contact BL3 Plumbing today.
Don't let your hot water tank fail this holiday season. Make sure that your heater is up-to-date and working properly by hiring a plumber to come in and give it an inspection just before the cold weather hits. For more information, contact BL3 Plumbing today!
