Signs Your Facility Needs a New Water Heater – Sobieski Services | DE, NJ, PA, MD

Signs Your Facility Needs a New Water Heater

Alarm Clock with note saying "its time"

A steady supply of hot water is often taken for granted in a commercial facility. Even if you only have to provide hot water for office bathrooms and sinks, the building’s occupants will be annoyed and inconvenienced if the water runs out. The following information presents some of the signs of water heater failure. Keeping an eye out for these indicators will help you determine if you need a new water heater to ensure the tenants of your commercial building have an uninterrupted supply of hot water.

Age of the water heater — Many decisions to replace or upgrade home equipment start with considering the equipment’s age. Older systems are more likely to have worn-out parts, defective components, and elements that simply don’t do their job anymore. If a water heater is more than 10 years old, it could be a candidate for replacement. Check the documentation that came with the heater for information on its age, or look for labels on the body of the water heater with codes or other data that indicate when the device was manufactured. Check maintenance records that show when the heater was put into service. Keep in mind that a water heater, or any other device, may still have substantial amounts of service left in it if it has been properly maintained and repaired. In other words, while age is a good starting point in determining if you need a new water heater, it should not be the only criteria you consider.

Water heater function — Carefully assess how well your existing water heater is working. Is it still producing enough hot water, and doing so reliably? Does it break down frequently, or does it work sporadically or unpredictably? Is the temperature of the water consistent and at the level it should be based on thermostat settings? In a commercial facility, you need to have access to hot water when you need it, so any disruptions in the function of the system can indicate that you should invest in a new water heater.

Presence of rusty or discolored water — If your water heater is deteriorating from the inside, it will most likely produce rusty or discolored water. Check some water samples that come directly from the water heater itself. Notice if there is any difference in the water coming out of your facility’s faucets. Specifically, see if there is rusty or discolored water coming from the hot water supply lines alone. If this is the case, it probably means your water heater is rusting away inside and will need to be replaced soon.

Water heater makes unusual noises — Rumbling, banging, creaking, whining, or clanging can indicate the buildup of sediment inside the water heater. This occurs over time as sediment accumulates in the pipes and solidifies. This hardened sediment will decrease system efficiency by making it harder for heat to reach the water. It will also increase the wear that is already occurring within the water heater, increasing the chance of a system failure. If you’re hearing multiple noises from the equipment, a new water heater will probably be needed soon.

Leaks around the water heater — Water on the floor around the water heater could indicate leaks within the unit. Small cracks in pipes may only leak when hot water is flowing, so be certain such cracks are the source of the leaks. Make sure that there are no leaks at connections and fitting and that the temperature/pressure valve isn’t leaking. A leaky water heater can waste money and create indoor floods, so if your heater is leaking, replacement should be made as soon as possible.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about Plumbing, HVACR, Fire Protection, and Alarm Systems in Mechanical, Commercial, and Residential settings. For more information on the signs that indicate you need a new water heater, and to view projects we’ve worked on, visit our website!

Photo Credit: Carlos Amarillo/Shutterstock

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