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Seeing These Signs Means It's Time for a Water Heater Replacement

Water heater with visible valve and plumbing tools, indicating maintenance or replacement needs in plumbing services.

When Is a New Water Heater Needed?

Homeowners often take their water heaters for granted until that dreaded moment when a cold shower strikes and the home is left without hot water. While some issues can be repaired, there are clear indicators that a water heater may be nearing the end of its lifespan and require replacement. This post will discuss some common signs indicating water heater replacement is needed.

Temperature Issues

Hand catching water from a chrome faucet, illustrating water temperature issues related to malfunctioning water heaters.One of the most noticeable signs that a water heater is struggling and needs professional attention is problems with water temperature. If the household is experiencing inconsistent or lukewarm temperatures, running out of hot water much faster than usual, or there is a complete lack of hot water, the water heater's ability to heat and maintain water temperature is compromised. 

A plumber should be called to inspect the water heater and determine the best solution, whether it be water heater repair or a replacement, as these temperature issues can stem from a variety of problems, including sediment buildup, a failing heating element, an undersized unit that can no longer meet the household's demands, and more. Professionals can help determine whether the issue and the water heating unit’s age point to the need for a replacement.

Leaks

Another sign that signals a water heater needs replacing is leaking. Whether homeowners notice a visible water heater leak or notice pooling water around the base of the unit, the water heater's tank may have corroded and developed a crack. Once a tank starts to leak, it cannot typically be repaired effectively and will only worsen over time, leading to potential water damage in the home. 

A leaking water heater is a critical indicator that the structural integrity of the water heater is compromised, and it should be replaced. When water heater corrosion has occurred, a new water heater installation is the safest and most reliable solution.

Age and Corrosion

Discolored water flowing from faucet into sink, indicating potential internal corrosion in water heater.Visible rust and corrosion on the water heater, along with other signs of corrosion, also signal that a water heater replacement is necessary. Rusty-looking or discolored hot water coming from fixtures, or water with a strange, metallic smell, are potential signs of internal tank corrosion. This corrosion compromises the integrity of the tank, leading to potential leaks. Addressing these signs promptly with a replacement can prevent extensive water damage to the home and ensure a safe and consistent supply of hot water.

The age of a water heater is also a significant factor in determining the likelihood of needing a replacement. Traditional storage water heaters typically have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. If the unit is within or has exceeded this age and starts developing issues, water heater replacement may be necessary. While some issues can be repaired, recurring problems in older units can indicate that the system is nearing the end of its useful life, often making replacement a more cost-effective and reliable solution in the long run compared to continuous repairs on an aging water heater.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a family-owned and operated company serving Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas. They offer competitive, honest pricing, quality products, and customer education. Call them for water heater installation and replacement services in Colorado Springs, CO.

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Check Out These Patriotic Plumbing Facts for Independence Day

check out these patriotic plumbing facts for independence day

Be Free From Ignorance About Plumbing!

Civilization as we know it could not have existed without the state-of-the-art municipal plumbing and sewer infrastructure that we enjoy today. Despite being a global public health technology, Americans did have some significant contributions to the development of all things plumbing-related. 

On Independence Day, take a moment and celebrate with these Colorado Springs plumbers as they share fun facts about plumbing in the US. 

Important Plumbing Developments in American HistoryThe Tremont House hotel exterior in Boston featuring elegant architecture, American and French flags, and a black car at the entrance, symbolizing historical significance in hospitality and plumbing advancements.

The Tremont Hotel in Boston: The Tremont House was the US’s first modern hotel that touted many hospitality firsts. It was designed specially to house the latest plumbing that included flush toilets and bathtubs. It also included such luxuries as locked rooms, free soap, and bellboys. At the cutting edge of social advancement, it even had a dining room where ladies could eat alone since women dining alone was frowned upon in the early 1800s. 

American Inventor Joseph Gayetty: The first brand of toilet paper sold in the US was manufactured by Joseph Gayetty. It came in 1000 sheet packs and was made of rough fibers of Manila Hemp. The paper was medicated with aloe, which drew criticism from doctors groups that called Gayetty a quack. It was supplanted as a household name by the release of “splinter-free toilet paper” manufactured by the Northern Tissue Company in 1935. 

Presidential Plumbing: The White House has not always been the symbol of luxury that it has come to be known as. As indoor plumbing was starting to be installed in new, luxurious structures in the 1820s, the White House was left behind. Not until nearly three decades after plumbing moved indoors, the White House finally have a fully functioning bathroom. President Millard Fillmore oversaw the installation of a bathing room on the second floor in his quarters, complete with heated water and flushing toilets. Before this, presidents bathed in a nearby river or occasionally in tubs with water heated in kettles.  

Modern porcelain toilet, symbolizing advancements in indoor plumbing and public health, relevant to historical context of White House plumbing installations.

Toilet Facts

Municipal sewer systems went a long way towards improving public health, but the final step was making toilets porcelain. As toilets made their way indoors, most were made of wood that harbored pathogens. Porcelain is non-porous and easy to clean, so it became the material of choice.

It doesn’t matter which hemisphere a toilet is in as to which direction it flushes. The spin of the Earth is too subtle to affect the direction of the flush. Eddy currents are better predictors of the direction a drain will spin. 

Other Fun Plumbing Facts

The word “plumbing” is from the Latin root “plumbum” which was the word for lead. Early pipes were made of lead, and up until recently, lead has been used in plumbing. This is also why lead is abbreviated “Pb” on the periodic table. 

The original toilet paper patent from 1891 shows toilet paper with the loose end on top. This was the first time toilet paper was put on a roll and perforated. So, the original inventor intended for tissue to be dispensed from the top, not the bottom. 

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been the only plumber Colorado Springs, CO customers have needed for over 20 years. A veteran-owned company, they fix any plumbing problem for residential and commercial customers. Always seeking a competitive edge, they offer their after-hours service with no additional charges. Call now for plumbing services!

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