JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – New federal rules taking effect in April will make water heaters more efficient, but the regulations could mean increased product and installation costs for homeowners. Most people have no idea their water heater is about to fail. But there are signs to watch for. You can avoid the disruption and damage of a failing water heater.
"A lot of people like to wait until a water heater fails. They use the theory why fix it if it's not broke. The problem with that is it never breaks at a convenient time," said water heater expert Chip Cochran.
Here are four indicators your water heater may be on its last legs.
Angie's List: 4 Signs Your Water Heater May Need Replaced
How old is your water heater? Generally, most water heaters that are more than 10 years old should be considered for replacement. If your water heater is in a location that will not cause damage if there is a leak, you can wait until it develops a leak before replacing it, but that really is not recommended. If your water heater is in a location that will cause damage to your home, you should strongly consider replacing it after 10 years (or before, if any of the following symptoms occur).Rusty water. If you discover rusty water coming from your water heater and it only comes from the hot side piping in your home, this can be a sign that your water heater is rusting away on the inside and it may begin to leak soon.Rumbling and noise. As a water heater ages, sediment will build up on the bottom of the tank. As the sediment is heated and reheated, it eventually will harden. When this happens, you can often hear rumbling or banging sounds coming from the water heater as it is heating up. This is a sign that the water heater is at the end of its useful life.Water around the water heater. If you notice moisture around your water, you may have a small leak or a fracture in the tank. As the metal heats, it expands and if there are slight fractures, water may leak from the tank. Once the metal has cooled the inner tank will stop leaking. However, before replacing your water heater, make sure there are no other leaks coming from either the fittings or connections to the tank. Also, make sure the temperature/pressure overflow pipe is not leaking. If all of the connections and fittings are dry, it may be time to replace the water heater.
Angie's List: 6 Water Heater Maintenance Tips
Know where your water heater is located. Not only should you know where it is, you should have clear access to it as sometimes it's tucked away in an attic or basement and not easy to reach.Know what type of water heater you have. You should know whether it's natural gas, electric or propane, or whether it's a storage tank type or a tankless type water heater. Also, write down the model number and serial number of your water heater or at least know where this information is on the tank as it has the age and gallon capacity coded into it. This is important for warranty purposes and usually one of the first questions a plumber or water heater repair company will ask.Know how to turn off the water and fuel/power supply. This is a good idea in the event of an emergency or if your water heater is leaking or you smell gas. There should be a gas valve or a disconnect switch within a few feet of the water heater. It's also a good idea to know where your main gas shut off valve is or which breaker is used for the water heater. As for the water shutoff, most shut off valves are located above the water heater on the cold side piping. You should also locate your water shutoff valve coming into your home. If you need any special tools to turn any of the valves off or to open the break box, keep those nearby and in clear sight. This will make all the difference when you have water leaking all over or if you smell gas and time is of the essence.Clear area around water heater. There are several reasons why this is a good idea. First, a gas fired unit needs a good supply of oxygen to burn the gas, but if a water heater is smothered and can't get enough oxygen, it can affect the efficiency of the unit as well as cause damage to the burner chamber and other water heater parts. It can even cause carbon monoxide leaks. Second, if the unit starts to leak, you may not catch it as soon if the area is hidden from view. This has the potential to cause severe water damage and even waste energy as the water heater has to reheat the water more often. Lastly, it is a fire hazard.Drain or flush your water heater. At least once a year, drain a few gallons out of your water heater using the drain valve. Use either a 5-gallon bucket or a garden hose and run it to a place where the hot water will not cause damage. Do not drain it to your landscaping or lawn as hot water may kill the grass.Complete an annual inspection. Start with the top and check for any leaks or heavy corrosion on the pipes and valves. For gas water heaters, check the draft hood and make sure it is placed properly with a few inches of air space between the tank and where it connects to the vent. Look for any corrosion or wear on the gas line and on the piping. Check the thermostat and the area below the thermostat where the gas chamber is located.
Angie's List Guide to Water Heaters: http://www.angieslist.com/plumbing/water-heaters.htm
U.S. Department of Energy Water Heater Standards: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/product.aspx/productid/27
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