How to Tell if You Need a New Water Heater Since water heaters are only built to last about eight to twelve years, it is inevitable that there will come a time when you must replace your existing water heater. But how willyou know when your current water heater is malfunctioning? Should you shop around for a new water heater, or find a company that can repair the one you have? Below is a list of instructions to determine how well your water heater is functioning:  Feel the water coming out of the tap  Once the water reaches the hot temperature, how long does this temperature last?  Look around the base of the water heater; is there any standing water in the area?  Examine all the plumbing fittings and connections  Listen to how your water heater sounds when it is running  How old is your water heater? If your water heater is starting to show any signs of failing, you need to call the water heater professionals in the Woodbridge, Virginia area. Signs your water heater needs replacing:

1.The average water heater lasts about ten years. If you do not know how old your water heater is you can check out the serial number to determine the manufacturer’s date of the water heater. If your water heater is more than ten years old, you may need a replacement. 2.Another indication your water heater is not functioning properly is the temperature of the water. Perhaps the water is not getting as hot as it once did, or when it does heat up it takes longer to get to the desired temperature. 3.If the water coming out of your tap has a strange color to it, this could be another sign that your water heater is not functioning properly. If your water is discolored or appears rusty, you can take some of the following steps to fix it: a) mix in some magnesium, zinc, or aluminum; b) combine a two-piece anode rod into your water heater; by using two very large standard size rods of the same metal in order not to cause a chemical reaction; c) attach a garden hose to the water drainage bib— turning it off to allow it to drain. 4.Excessive leakage. If your water heater has been leaking excessively, and there are no other indications for the leakage, it is time to replace it. Any of the above indications of a water heater about to fail can also lead to a very hazardous situation. A water heater can be a powerful and explosive element in your home should the above warning signs not be taken seriously. The health and safety of your family depends on your taking expedient actions whenever the water heater in your home shows any signs that it is not working efficiently. If any of these signs or symptoms sounds familiar to your current water heater situation, call a professional plumber in Woodbridge, Virginia for a free consultation about how your water heater issues can be resolved as quickly and cost effective as possible. Article source: d-a-new-water-heater/