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At some point in time, any appliance you own will reach its last leg. Water heaters break down over time and will need replacing. Waiting too long can lead to larger problems like leaks and water damage to your home. How do you know when it’s time to replace your water heater?
Tank-style water heaters will last 8 to 12 years on average. If yours is around 10 years old, now would be a good time to replace it. You could even consider a tankless model. Proper maintenance can help to nearly double the lifespan of your water heater. Sometimes, however, even the utmost care cannot prevent the need for a replacement after only a few years.
Since most hot water tanks are made of steel, they will eventually rust. You may notice rust in your hot water from the tap. If you find rust or corrosion by the temperature and pressure relief valve or the water inlet and outlet connections, your tank is rusting and needs to be replaced.
Sediment builds and settles inside the bottom of the water heater’s tank over time. Gas water heaters may make a popping sound when the burner ignites, signaling that there is sediment build-up. As it accumulates, it can clog the drain valve and even break down the interior of the steel tank. Flushing your water heater once a year will remove the sediment and prevent damage to the tank.
Leaks are rarely repairable as they are usually caused by an internal issue. If the leak is coming from the tank itself, you will most likely need to replace the water heater. Prevent further water damage by turning off the water and power to the water heater, then call the team at Jos. Frederick & Sons to install a new unit.
If your water isn’t as hot as it once was, or not hot at all, there may be a problem with the heating element or the electric thermostat. A broken dip tube is another possibility, which is the plastic pipe that runs from the cold water inlet to the bottom of the tank. You will know it is broken if the outgoing hot water is diluted by the incoming cold water.
When problems occur, trust Joseph Frederick & Sons for prompt and reliable service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Continually family owned and operated since 1947, Joseph Frederick & Sons offers satisfaction on every project. We are committed to providing quality service to meet the exact needs of our customers throughout Wilmington, DE; Pike Creek, DE; Newark, DE; Claymont, DE; Hockessin, DE; Middletown, DE; Bear, DE; Landenberg, PA; Avondale, PA. Contact us today!