Heating water is expensive. It generates nearly 15 percent of all energy costs. When a water heater is in disrepair, these costs are even higher. Thankfully, there are several easily recognizable signs that your water heater needs attention.

  • The most obvious sign that a water heater needs repaired is inadequate temperature. Everyone knows that turning on a tap and getting only cold water means that the water heater is in need of repair. Water that takes too long to heat up, doesn’t get hot enough or stays too hot despite being turned down are also signs of a problem.
  • A water heater that is leaking. Depending on the location of the leak, it may need to be replaced. Leaking around the plumbing fittings, around the water connections, or in the base of the water heater typically means that the water heater will require replacement.
  • Rust build-up. The rust will often be seen on clothing, in bath water, or coming out of the tap. A rust-colored stain around the edges of a tub or sink is also a sign that the water heater is rusting out.
  • A pilot light that goes out repeatedly on a gas heater. The same thing goes for circuit breakers that continuously trip on electric heaters. Depending on the nature of the problem, these issues can often be repaired inexpensively by a qualified plumber.
  • Age is also a factor. The average water heater only lasts between eight and 12 years. Heaters that are older than that often cannot be repaired and will just need to be replaced all together. Even in the rare event they can be repaired, they are frequently cheaper to replace.

If you detect an issue with your water heater, don’t hesitate to contact us so we can get your system back up and running smoothly. Call Bill The Plumber in Sarasota today at (941) 845-6711.