Is it Time to Replace My Hot Water Heater?

Let’s face it; our hot water heaters are essentially therapy. Without access to on-demand hot baths and showers, we might as well be living in the stone ages; right? In fact, hot water is also necessary for the cleanest of cleans, whether dishes, laundry, mopping, or carpet cleaning. So, when your water heater starts to act up, it can have you asking all sorts of questions, namely, “should I replace my water heater?”

Continue below to learn the various signs that suggest you need to replace a hot water heater, plus guidance on how to responsibly dispose of your old one.

Water Heater Disposal Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322
Water Heater Disposal Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322

How to Prevent Hot Water Heater Problems

Your water heater is important, and therefore, a worthy investment. And like any investment, it requires nurturing. Not only does your water heater require routine maintenance and service, but it also requires a little more attention than the other appliances in your home. It is recommended to have your water heater service once every three years, or sooner if it begins to show signs of malfunctioning. Water heaters are designed to last anywhere from 8 to 10 years, and cost an average of $3,500 to replace.

Signs of a Malfunctioning Water Heater

Not sure what a malfunctioning water heater looks or sounds like? Fortunately, it is not very hard to identify the signs of a failing or broken water heater. After all, if you have no hot water, you can safely assume it links back to your water heater. Aside from no hot water, there are some of the signs you want to keep an eye out for.

No Hot Water

As mentioned, experiencing no hot water at all is a sure sign that something is going wrong with your water heater. If you have a gas water heater, check to see if the pilot light is still lit. Sometimes, pilot lights will go out and you will need to relight them. If the pilot light is intact, you could need some type of parts replacement. In this case, you need to contact a repairman. If you have an electric water heater, check the breaker to see if it’s tripped. This is usually the case. If it’s not the breaker, it’s likely something internal or even the whole house electrical problem. Either way, you would need to contact a professional.

Lack of Hot Water

Experiencing a lack of hot water is different than experiencing no hot water at all. If you have noticed that your water is taking longer to heat up, or that your hot water doesn’t last as long as it usually does when taking a shower or bath, it is most certainly a water heater problem. Gas water heaters, it could be a valve control defect. Electric water heaters could have a burned out element within the thermostat. Other reasons can include defective dip tubes and old age. Water heaters between eight and ten years old generally require replacement.

Noisy Water Heater

If you notice that your water heater is making a lot of strange noises, like rumbling, high-pitched whistling, groaning, boiling, or popping, it is time to get a water heater technician on the phone. These noises could indicate all sorts of internal problems, ranging from sediment buildup inside the tank to a defective temperature/pressure (T&P) relief safety valve.

Smelly Hot Water

If you have noticed that your hot water smells bad, it could be due to a chemical reaction caused by mineral compounds reacting with the metal lining on the inside of the tank. In these cases, the smell can usually be described as rotten eggs, which is typically caused by a combination of hydrogen, sulfur, and bacteria. The magnesium anode rod in water heaters will react with the sulfur and bacteria, thus generating adequate hydrogen levels to create the rotten egg odor in hot water.

How To Get Rid of a Broken Water Heater

Did you know that water heater tank is a perfectly recyclable metal shell? Furthermore, various Indianapolis metal recycling centers will pay you for it! Just be sure to choose a responsible and licensed scrap metal recycling facility. They have the proper resources properly recycle hot water heaters and deliver a cash payout for its scrap value.

Is your water heater done for? Want to make some extra cash to pitch in for a new one? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to get paid cash on the spot for recycling appliances in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for used or broken appliances, including water heaters!

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