During the summer in Suffolk County, Long Island we tend not to think to much about hot water and overlook issues pertaining to our hot water heater. However with winter upon us, you are most likely to be disappointed when you really need the hot water only to find you have none. Taking a cold shower may be a refreshing experience during the blazing summer days, but in the winter it can be brutal, not to mention how a cold bath may not be too appealing. You may be surprised to find that your hot water faucet is producing cold water. That means you have problems with the water heater, and it may be time to replace it before things get worse and costly. But what are some of the notable signs that you need to replace your water furnace?
Things age and wear down over time, and you are left with no other option but to replace them. Your furniture, electronics, appliances, and even the plumbing will wear out gradually. The hot water furnace is not exempted from this outcome. You, therefore, should accept the fact that you will have to update things in and around your house when the time for such comes.
Doing the upgrades makes it easier to address problems when they arise and lower the costs for the repairs. On average, the standard water heater should be replaced after ten years of use. If yours has been of service from a period longer than this, then an upgrade is very-well overdue. You can also tell the age of your water furnace by checking the serial number on the manufacturer’s label on the appliance.
If your heater starts making odd noises, then this may be an indicator of aging. It is wise to retire it before any other notable issues start popping up later and disrupt your daily demand of hot water or your daily routine. Any banging or rumbling coming from your furnace is a sure sign that an upgrade is an inevitable route to take so that you can mitigate the imminent breakdown. Keep in mind that the same sound can happen due to sediment buildup, which is normal but not a significant problem. When the water heats up, it causes the sediment to move about, and this causes the strange sounds you hear.
If you find your faucet spewing dirty water, it is not a good sign. It should be clear, not unless the main water supply line is disrupted by something such as ongoing roadworks. The filthy water may be because of rust or the sediment in the hot water furnace. The issue of corrosion can be mitigated via the use of galvanized piping even though the rust may take root. If you leave the taps to run and the water becomes clear after filling five or so buckets, then the plumbing is to blame for the filthy water and should be replaced.