There are devices that we use every day and that due to the benefits they offer us, they become indispensable to carry out our usual activities, but after a while we don’t remember them until one day, they fail.
Most people have no idea that their water heater or boiler is about to fail. But there are signs that can tell you if your boiler is already very old, if you should give it more maintenance or if you should outright change it for a new one. There are ways to avoid interrupting the flow of hot water in your home and the damage that a failed water heater can cause. Here are four indicators that your boiler may be asking you to replace it:
How old is your boiler?
It is very important to know the age of your water heater. This information can be found by looking for the serial number on the manufacturer’s label, which may be on the top or on the body of the tank. The date on which the water heater was manufactured may be preceded by a legend that says MANUFACTURE followed by the month and year, for example 05/2014 or DATE FEB. 04-2012. There are other types of nomenclature, but these are the most common.9 In general, most water heaters that are over 10 years old should be considered for replacement. It is not recommended that you wait until your boiler starts to leak, as this only brings more problems and expense.
Rusty water
If you discover that there is rusty water coming from your water heater, when it comes out only through the hot water pipe, this may be a sign that your water heater is rusting inside and may start leaking soon. If you have galvanized pipes, they might be rusty. Do a test by filling some containers with hot water from the boiler’s discharge valve. If after the third container the water still comes out rusty, then you should replace the boiler.
Noises and pounding
As the water heater grows old, sediment will accumulate at the bottom of the tank. As the sediment heats up over and over again, it will eventually harden into tiny particles that make noise as you crawl. When this happens, you often hear noises or knocks, sounds coming from the water heater when it is heating. This is a sign that your boiler is at the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced. The hardened sediment layer means: Less efficiency – the heater will have to use more gas to heat the water.
More damage – the extra time it takes to heat up the water will cause more wear on the metal tank and lead to a more brittle metal that can break and develop small holes. If you hear a noise in your boiler it is very likely that leaks will occur.
Water around the water heater
If you see moisture around the boiler, it may be a leak in the tank. As the metal heats up, it expands and if there are cracks, water can seep out of the tank. Once the metal has cooled, these cracks can be closed. However, before replacing the boiler, make sure there are no other leaks coming from the tank connections and that the safety valve is not leaking. If all connections and accessories are dry, it may be time to replace the water heater. If you want to know the current situation of your boiler or if you discover any of the above signs, contact an expert. If you need a new boiler, know the options you have at your disposal