Your water heater works quietly for years. Then one morning it doesn't. The good news is that most failures come with early signs — if you know what to check.
Age is the first indicator. A standard tank water heater lasts 8 to 12 years. If yours is approaching that range, start planning a replacement rather than waiting for an emergency.
Rust-colored water coming from the hot tap is a warning. It usually means the tank is corroding from the inside. Once that starts, a leak is not far behind.
Rumbling or popping sounds during heating cycles point to sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank. That sediment insulates the water from the heating element, forcing the unit to work harder and shortening its life.
Water pooling near the base of the tank is a clear sign of a slow leak. Even a small drip can become a flood quickly if the tank wall fails.
Inconsistent hot water — water that runs hot then cold, or never gets fully hot — often means the heating element is failing or the thermostat is drifting.
If you see two or more of these signs, a replacement is almost always cheaper than a repair. A new unit runs more efficiently and comes with a warranty. W.B. Dickenson installs tank and tankless water heaters throughout Connecticut. Call us before the situation forces your hand.
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W.B. Dickenson handles plumbing, heating, and remodeling throughout Hartford County and Tolland County.