When your water heater is on the fritz, the most common sign is, of course, a lack of hot water, but there are many other ways to determine whether your water heater is functioning correctly. When your water heater is on its last leg, contact Vigilante Plumbing for our plumbing repairs in Staten Island. Our plumbers have seen it all and can determine if you need a repair or replacement. Here are the top five signs that you may need a replacement.

The Water Heater Is Older Than 10 Years

If your unit is causing problems, check how old it is. Water heaters that are properly cared for can last between 8-12 years and experts recommend that homeowners replace it if it’s older than 10 years. If you own an on-demand water heater, or it does not have a tank, then it can last longer. Some tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years before needing to be replaced.

If your water heater has reached the end of its lifespan, repairing it will be a waste of money, as it will inevitably result in costly fixes.

It Has A Water Leak

When moisture or puddles of water appear around the base of your tank, this is an indication that there is a leak. Contact a professional plumber to carefully inspect the tank to locate the source of the leak. Unfortunately, if a leak is present, it is past repair – you will need to replace the tank immediately. Leaks result from pressure building in the tank and when neglected, this can lead to the tank exploding. For urgent problems, we offer 24/7 Emergency Service from Park Slope and Gowanus to Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill.

Your Water Looks Rusty

If you think your water looks brown, yellowish, or reddish, don’t assume it’s in your head. You may have rust in your water caused by an excess of sediment and mineral buildup which pollutes your water. There are two primary causes of rusty water: pipe or tank corrosion. If it is tank corrosion, there is only one solution, which is to replace the water heater immediately. Otherwise, you risk severe leaking in the future.

Although tank corrosion can’t be fixed, it can be prevented by replacing the tank’s sacrificial anode rod. When minerals and gases are present, they can cause the tank to corrode quickly. A sacrificial anode rod is an essential component made from metal that attracts minerals and gases, ultimately sacrificing itself to prevent the tank from corroding. This component does not need to be replaced often, as it takes several years to wear down.

Loud Noises Coming From The Tank

When tanks age, sediment buildup occurs. Sediment can move around inside the tank, which often sounds like a wrench being knocked against the inside of the heater. Therefore, if you hear rumbling or knocking sounds coming from your heater, you may have sediment buildup.

We recommend flushing the water to see if that resolves the problem. You can do this on your own or contact a plumber with experience repairing water heaters in Staten Island. If the noise persists after being flushed, then your water heater may have a more severe problem. In that case, we recommend replacing it. When sediment has built up and hardened to the point where you can hear noises, it will soon result in a leak.

Costly Heating Bills

When your water heater does not run efficiently, this can increase your heating bill. If the tank is experiencing any type of problem, it must work harder to do its job. Any of the aforementioned problems can cause your water heater to work harder than necessary, which ultimately increases your heating bills. If you suspect a problem, have a professional plumber inspect it and determine whether it is time for a replacement.

Contact Vigilante Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning

We are a family-owned and operated business with over 80 years of experience. We have serviced the 5 boroughs of New York for three generations, providing excellent plumbing and heating services with our high-quality products and unparalleled customer service. We have stood the test of time by:

  • Answering calls 24/7
  • Working by the job, not by the hour
  • Performing rigorous background checks on all our employees

When you need plumbing repairs in Staten Island, contact Vigilante Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning. Call (718) 530-0404 to schedule an appointment.