Hot water tanks are one of the most essential elements in any home for daily living. They keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, and they also provide hot water for your baths and showers. A hot water tank is a large, insulated water storage tank that is centrally located in your home. It is usually found on or near a crawl space under your home and is accessed by a drop-down lid. It’s important to regularly check your hot water tank because early signs of problems can prevent you from taking action when repairs are needed. To help you understand when to check your hot water tank and how often, we’ve outlined some general guidelines below: - Check your water temperature – If the temperature of your water is too high, it could cause your water heater to fail faster. If it is too low, it could result in poor scalding prevention in your home’s water supply. - Check the water level – If the water level in your tank is below the fill line, it could cause your tank to fail. This is because water in the tank is being heated by the burner, but there’s no water left to take its place. - Check the anode rod – An anode rod is a metal cylinder inside the tank that protects it from corrosion. If it’s missing or broken, it could mean that corrosive bacteria is affecting your tank. You should replace the anode rod when it’s missing or broken. If it is bent or loose, it should be replaced. - Also, know what to look for in signs that may indicate that it may be time for a new water heater.

What to look for in signs that a water heater may need replacing

Water heaters typically last anywhere from 8 to 15 years. However, certain signs and indicators can help you determine if yours needs replacing. Here are some of the most common signs your water heater needs replacing:- Water that is excessively cold at the end of the day – If water coming from your faucets is consistently 35 degrees or colder, it could mean that your water heater is not maintaining the proper temperature.- Hard water – If your water has a strong, unpleasant smell or if it causes soap and other cleaning products to leave a white residue, it could be due to hard water.- Water that smells or tastes foul – If water tastes or smells bad, it could be due to chemicals or minerals in your water.- Excessive splashing or water hammer - If you hear a loud thud or thump when water is flowing through the pipes, it could mean that your water pressure is too high.- Frozen water in the hot water tank – If water is freezing in your hot water tank, it could mean that your water pressure is too high. It could also be a sign that the water in your tank is not clean and is causing your water heater to fail to properly heat the water.- Water discoloration – If water in your tank turns blue or green, it could mean that there is a high level of iron in your water.- Water that doesn’t get hot - If the water coming out of your faucets is not hot enough, it could be due to a faulty thermostat or a leaking hot water tank.- Excessive noise – If your water heater is making loud, grinding noises when it is heating up the water, it could mean that the pressure in the tank is too high.

How to check your hot water tank

When checking your water tank, you’ll want to have a bucket of cold water nearby to test the water temperature. If the water is too hot, turn off the flow of water to the tank. The water temperature should drop dramatically. To check the water level, lift the lid of the tank and look inside. If the level is lower than the fill line, the water could be running out.If you don’t have a bucket of cold water nearby, you can use a meat thermometer that has a range of 100 degrees. This method is not as accurate, but it can still be helpful. As you check the water tank, take note of the water temperature and water level. If either one of these is outside normal, you should contact a plumber immediately.

How often should you check your hot water tank?

Check your hot water tank every month or two. To do this, lift the lid and look inside. You can also use a meat thermometer to test the tank water temperature. If you notice that the water level is lower than normal, or the water temperature is too hot, you should contact a plumber.

Conclusion

Hot water tanks are one of the most essential elements in any home for daily living. They keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, and they also provide hot water for your baths and showers. It is important to regularly check your hot water tank because early signs of problems can prevent you from taking action when repairs are needed. To help you understand when to check your hot water tank and how often, we’ve outlined some general guidelines below: - Check your water temperature – If the temperature of your water is too high, it could cause your water heater to fail faster. If it is too low, it could result in poor scalding prevention in your home’s water supply. - Check the water level – If the water level in your tank is below the fill line, it could cause your tank to fail. This is because water in the tank is being heated by the burner, but there’s no water left to take its place. - Check the anode rod – An anode rod is a metal cylinder inside the tank that protects it from corrosion. If it’s missing or broken, it could mean that corrosive bacteria is affecting your tank. You should replace the anode rod when it’s missing or broken. If it is bent or loose, it should be replaced. - Also, know what to look for in signs that may indicate that it may be time for a new water heater.