Like most of the technology and equipment we depend on to keep our food cold, our clothes clean, and our bodies clean and comfortable, you don’t notice they are even there until something goes awry. But as a savvy Pittsburgh homeowner, you can keep your eye out for a few signs that your water heater is on its way out:
1. Banging, Thumping, or Booming
For gas furnaces, a loud thumping or booming sound could be caused by a gas buildup. This buildup happens when dirty burners delay the furnace ignition process. However, if your furnace makes a banging noise when it shuts off, it could be the sound of your ductwork expanding and contracting due to air pressure changes.
If this loud noise is coming from your boiler, it is likely due to limescale deposits that have built up over time, which are accumulating pressure in the boiler’s heat exchanger.
Signs Your Water Heater Is Nearing Replacement
Like most of the technology and equipment we depend on to keep our food cold, our clothes clean, and our bodies clean and comfortable, you don’t notice they are even there until something goes awry. But as a savvy Pittsburgh homeowner, you can keep your eye out for a few signs that your water heater is on its way out:
Lack of Hot Water/Long Wait Times
Have you been left with your hand under the faucet for just a little longer than normal lately?. Sure, your spouse or your children may have taken a ling shower, or it could be failing burners and deteriorated gas lines.
Frequent Leaks
While one water heater leak might not be the end of the world, if the problem keeps returning you may have a water heater “lemon” on your hands.
Increased Water Heating Costs
With inefficiencies in your water heater come higher natural gas or electricity costs. It won’t take long for your water heater costs and any associated repairs to cost you more than replacement.
A Water Heater That Is More Than 10 years Old
The lifespan of a water heater is one of the lowest of all the different home comfort equipment in your home. Consider replacing it with a tankless water heater, which is rated to last much longer!
Strange Colored Water from Faucet
The City of Steel is no stranger to rust, and if your water heater is continuing to spit out rusty-colored water for more than 24 hours, it will be a tough problem to fix. Replacement will be the safer, more efficient solution.
