Roofers have ways of telling if your roof is about to fail. Electricians, too, can determine if your homes wiring needs an upgrade. For aging water heaters, however, such signs of trouble may not be obvious until you experience them directly. While the possibility of your water heater going out on a cold winter’s day might not be as serious as a roof or electrical system that requires a full overhaul, it’s certainly still worth having your water heater professionalyl inspected.
So what symptoms should you be keeping an eye out for if you suspect your water heater is nearing the end of its service life? Here are a few tips on the matter from our expert plumbers at Efficient Systems.
The Tank Thermostat
Your water heater will have a thermostat that monitors temperature levels within its tank. This alone can tell you a great deal about how healthy the system is. Normally, you want the thermostat to read 120 degrees Fahrenheit, give or take a couple degrees. If you see that this reading has dipped abnormally low, call a professional for a full inspection and possible repairs.
The Dip Tube
A broken dip tube is something that will require a professional water heater repair specialist for replacement. The dip tube is a long pipe that extends throughout the length of the entire tank. It’s responsible for supplying cold water to the bottom of the tank to spur the hot water to rise and flow into the hot water outlet. In aging systems, this dip tube can break, which results in a noticeable drop in the temperature of the water coming from your faucets, as well as the reading on the heater’s upper thermostat.
The Age of Your Heater
The average water heater tank can last up to 12 years with proper maintenance. However, as you get close to the end of its life span, problems become more frequent and more repairs are needed. After a certain point, getting a replacement becomes more practical than having to pay for constant repairs. Talk to your local plumbing service to discuss your options with older water heaters.
Professional Plumbing, Electric and HVAC Services You Can Trust
Efficient Systems is your number one go-to 24-hour electrical service and plumbing company. Give us a call at (317) 293-6510 or fill out our contact form to schedule a service visit today. We serve homeowners in Indianapolis and all nearby areas in IN.
