It’s normal for water heaters to work harder during the freezing winters in Brunswick, ME. You need to take time now to make sure your appliance is ready for spring and summer. Besides, risking leaks or cold showers could interfere with enjoying the warm weather activities you look forward to.
Why Heavy Winter Use Causes Spring Water Heater Failures
The water that flows from your well or municipal pipes is much colder during the winter in Maine than it is in the summer. This means your water heater works twice as hard to reach the desired temperature. You may notice that it runs in longer cycles to keep up with the freezing intake temperatures. All this extra work puts immense wear and tear on the heating elements and internal lining of the tank. In the spring, you may realize that the appliance can no longer sustain its typical efficiency.
There’s also a higher risk of sediment buildup during the winter because of increased water consumption and mineral precipitation. Once a thick layer of grit forms on the bottom of the tank, it creates a thermal barrier. Over time, the burner and heating elements may start to show signs of premature failure or emit loud popping noises. This happens because the sediment layer doesn’t allow heat to transfer efficiently to the water.
Sometimes, water heater repairs are possible, while at other times, replacement is the better option. Here are the warning signs of water heater trouble that you need to stay alert for.
Repairs Are Adding Up Fast
If you keep having to call a plumber to repair your water heater, the appliance is essentially waving a white flag. Repairs to the heating elements and drain valves are normal every now and again. But frequent repairs that stem from tank corrosion and structural leaks often indicate total system failure. When this happens, one repair often sets off a domino effect of breakdowns, so it costs more and more to keep the aging unit functional. Rather than pouring more money into repairs, it’s often smarter to invest in a modern, energy-efficient replacement.
Hot Water Looks Rusty or Dirty
The hot water produced by your water heater should come out of the faucets and showerheads clear. If it’s rusty or dirty, there’s probably a buildup of corrosion in the tank. This discoloration can also be the result of a deteriorating anode rod. Either way, the contamination is not something to ignore. We may be able to flush the sediment or replace the rod to resolve the murky water. Sometimes, though, a complete system replacement is necessary.
You Notice Leaks Around the Tank
Water heaters often have condensation on them, but you should never see a puddle of water near the base. If you do, there’s a leak somewhere in the tank shell, inlet valves or discharge pipe. In Brunswick, water heater tanks sometimes develop cracks because of extreme temperature swings and mineral-heavy Maine water. A leaky tank greatly increases the risk of mold and mildew, which can ruin the surrounding flooring and drywall. Some tank leaks are easy to fix with a new gasket, while others require a whole new water heater.
Hot Water Runs Out Too Quickly
If your water heater can’t keep up, a broken dip tube or sediment buildup may be to blame. A failing lower heating element can also lead to this problem. We’ll inspect the appliance to see whether the internal components are still salvageable. We may be able to swap the elements, or we might recommend replacing the water heater.
Your Water Heater Is Making Loud Noises
Your water heater should not sound like a percussion concert every time it kicks on. If it does, it likely has a heavy layer of hardened sediment. You may hear popping or loud banging as the burner attempts to heat water through the grit. Flushing the tank may resolve the internal noise issue. If it doesn’t, it’s often best to replace the unit before the tank fractures.
Your Energy Bills Keep Going Up
Your water heater may be a silent thief causing your monthly utility bills to spike. When it consumes more energy to overcome internal sediment and thermal loss from winter overwork, this increases your operating costs. Upgrading the system with a high-efficiency model is an excellent way to save money long-term.
Schedule a Water Heater Inspection Today
Now is the perfect time to get your water heater ready for warmer weather. When we perform an inspection, we’ll check every component. Appliances with extensive damage almost always need replacing.
We bring more than 15 years of experience to every plumbing job. Contact Dog House today to book a water heater replacement in Brunswick.
