I've heard stories about them leaking and flooding basements. How can I tell when this might happen?
2007-05-20 04:14:09 · 5 answers · asked by avp 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Most of the time, the time to replace the water heater is when the capacity is gone. If you have a 40 gallon water heater and cant even get one shower taken without running out of hot water, its time to replace. Also a noisy (popping and groaning) gas water heater will tell you its time to replace it. It is uncommon for a water heater to "burst" and flood a basement. Usually you will see a small amount of water under the heater or coming out of the top around the pipe connections. Age of a water heater all depends on how good of water you have. If you have a softener, that helps. If the heater is new enough, you can try to drain the heater and flush out some of the lime buildup in the bottom, but many, many time the drain fitting is all ready plugged up and will not drain. Hope this helps! Good luck!!
2007-05-20 08:42:13 · answer #1 · answered by djjay_2000_00 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a gas water heater you will hear a cracking or popping noise when the water heater is heating. This indicates mineral buildup-as the minerals heat they release gas and that is the popping sound. As the mineral buildup continues over the years, you may notice that you run out of hot water very quickly. If this is the case and your water heater is older then 5 years, replace it.
You can slow the problem down by opening the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater once or twice a year and letting water out for 5 minutes or so. This will drain out the free floating minerals and lengthen the life of your water heater.
2007-05-20 11:32:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Life span of most water heaters is 7 to 10 years. Most (but not all) start with a small leak. As stated, the newer ones are much more energy efficient and can save you money. If your unit is at or approching 10 years, I would recommend replacement. Not fun when it goes out and you need to rush to replace it. Murphys Law says they will always fail on a holiday or weekend.
2007-05-20 11:24:45 · answer #3 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the water doesn't get hot fast their life is only 7-10 years and the new ones use half the energy that they used too replace it before it leaks cause you could end up w/mold & thats deadly
2007-05-20 11:20:37 · answer #4 · answered by krrockon alias Jersey Beamer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the water heater is over 15 yrs old and you have the funds replace it now. it could leak at any time and it is costing you alot just to run it . if you do not have the funds at this time, you can install a drain pan and a water alarm in the pan
2007-05-20 12:39:09 · answer #5 · answered by paradise.plumbing 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋