What Rust on the Bottom of Your Water Heater Means

Your water heater runs best with steady maintenance from a professional plumber. This annual service gives you the opportunity to react quickly and fix possible problems. One such issue is a rusty bottom on tank water heaters.

Rust can grow in different places on your water heater and can be the result of leaky connections. But rust on the bottom of your water heater’s tank might be signs of a more complicated problem. We recommend hiring a professional like Atmostemp Service Experts to find out if the tank’s interior liner has corroded. This happens after the anode rod fails. When functioning normally, the anode rod pushes out impurities from the water.

When your tank has corroded, it’s wise to schedule water heater replacement. Otherwise, you risk having your home flooded with gallons of water when the tank fails.

Here are several other signs that your water heater is breaking down.

4 Signs You Call for Water Heater Replacement

While your water heater can’t share exactly when it’s going to break, these are obvious signs that it’s going out.

1. Age

A quality water heater usually lives for about 10 years. If yours is approaching this age or older, it’s a smart idea to consider replacing it even if it’s still working. That way, you can avoid not having hot water or a mess if the tank leaks.

2. Rusty Water

This is evidence that your water heater’s tank is corroding. Your water may taste unusual or stain your clothes when you wash them. While rust isn’t necessarily harmful, it affects your water quality and can also stain your bathroom fixtures.

3. Reduced Hot Water

Your water heater should provide ample hot water, even if you’re showering and washing clothes at the same time. If you learn yours is struggling even with low use, it’s time to get an upgrade.

4. Strange Sounds

When your water heater’s anode rod malfunctions, sediment appears in the tank. As a result, your water heater must work harder to heat water. This can produce clanging or knocking sounds, as well as higher energy bills.

Tankless Water Heaters vs. Tank? What’s Best for My Residence?

Our experienced plumbers will share what’s best for your specific needs and your home. When looking into hot water heater replacement, they’ll help you pick between tankless water heaters and tank models. Here are a number of the key differences.

Tank Water Heaters

Tank water heaters are the most common choice. They have a dedicated supply of hot water, which is ideal for heavy or frequent use. While these water heaters are the most affordable, they have some downsides. They are big and constantly heating water, which is less energy efficient. And with a life span of about 12 years, they must be replaced more often than a tankless model.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are valued for their energy efficiency since they heat water on demand. Because they lack a tank, they can be squeezed in cozy spaces, like under your sink or in a closet. As another bonus, they usually last twice as long as a tank model. However, it’s helpful to note they’re typically more expensive than tank models. But this cost can be balanced with rebates since many models are ENERGY STAR® rated.

Call Atmostemp Service Experts for Quality Water Heater Replacement

Hot water heater replacement cost isn’t cheap. In fact, installing a new heater can cost several thousand dollars, in particular if you want a tankless model.

That’s why we offer an Advantage Program™ for your water heater. For one simple monthly cost, you’ll earn a brand new one installed at no surprise cost. There’s no down payment or large initial expense, and you’ll get to hold onto any applicable rebates.

As a valued member, you’ll have access to 24/7 emergency service at no charge. Diagnostic, parts and labor fees are waived as well.* You’ll even have the ability to update your water heater tank size or style based on your family’s changing needs.**

To learn more about our process for water heater replacement in Voorhees, give us a call at 856-310-4824 today. Our Experts are ready to help however we can.

*See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. **New monthly rate will apply.