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5 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Replacement

Your water heater works hard to provide hot water for showers, dishes, laundry, and more. Like any appliance, it won't last forever. Knowing when to replace your water heater can save you from unexpected cold showers and potential water damage. Here are five clear signs that it's time to consider a replacement.

1. Age

Most traditional tank water heaters last between 8-12 years, while tankless models can last up to 20 years. If your water heater is approaching or has exceeded this age range, it's wise to start planning for a replacement, even if it's still functioning. You can check your water heater's age by looking at the serial number on the manufacturer's sticker.

2. Rusty Water

If your hot water appears rusty or has a metallic smell or taste, this could indicate that your water heater tank is corroding from the inside. This corrosion can eventually lead to leaks. While a rusty water issue could also be caused by your pipes, if the discoloration only affects hot water, your water heater is likely the culprit.

3. Strange Noises

As water heaters age, sediment builds up on the bottom of the tank. When this sediment hardens, you may hear rumbling, popping, or banging sounds coming from the water heater as it heats up. These noises indicate that the water heater is becoming less efficient and may be approaching the end of its useful life.

4. Leaks Around the Base

Any moisture or small pools of water around the base of your water heater indicate a leak. As tanks age, they can develop small fractures due to the constant expansion and contraction from heating cycles. These leaks typically won't heal themselves and will only worsen over time, potentially causing significant water damage.

5. Inconsistent Temperature

If your shower rapidly changes from hot to cold, or if you find your water doesn't get as hot as it used to, your water heater may be failing. This could be due to a broken heating element or a tank that's too small for your household's needs, but it often signals that your unit is struggling to perform its job.

Benefits of a Timely Replacement

While replacing a water heater is an investment, newer models offer significant benefits:

• Improved energy efficiency, leading to lower utility bills
• More consistent hot water supply
• Advanced features like digital displays and vacation settings
• Longer warranties for peace of mind
• Prevention of potential water damage from catastrophic tank failure

At Mountain Valley Plumbing, we offer free water heater inspections to help you determine if it's time for a replacement. Our professional technicians can recommend the best model for your household's needs and budget. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

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How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

Winter in Salt Lake City brings cold temperatures that can wreak havoc on your home's plumbing. Frozen pipes not only disrupt your water supply but can also burst, causing extensive and costly water damage. Here are essential steps to protect your pipes during the winter months.

Why Pipes Freeze

Water expands as it freezes, putting tremendous pressure on metal or plastic pipes. Pipes most at risk include those exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines. In addition, pipes in unheated interior areas like basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets, and those that run against exterior walls with little or no insulation are also vulnerable.

Preventive Measures Before Winter

1. Drain Water from Outdoor Lines

Before the first freeze, disconnect, drain, and store outdoor hoses. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs, and open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep them open so any remaining water can expand without breaking the pipe.

2. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces to maintain higher temperatures in these areas. Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like sleeves, heat tape, or heat cables on exposed pipes. Even newspaper can provide some protection for exposed pipes in emergency situations.

3. Seal Leaks

Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep cold air out and the warm air in. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.

During Cold Weather

1. Keep the Heat On

Maintain your home's temperature at 55°F or higher, even when you're away. The cost of extra heating is minimal compared to the potential cost of repairing water damage from a burst pipe.

2. Allow Faucets to Drip

When temperatures are extremely cold, let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing.

3. Keep Interior Doors Open

Leave bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if sinks are on an exterior wall.

What to Do If You Suspect Frozen Pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow, helping to melt the ice.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.
• If you cannot locate the frozen area, if it's not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

Remember: never use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices to thaw your frozen pipes. These present serious fire risks and can also cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.

At Mountain Valley Plumbing, we offer comprehensive winterization services to protect your plumbing system. Contact us before the cold weather hits to schedule a professional assessment of your home's vulnerability to frozen pipes.

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Simple Ways to Reduce Your Water Bill

Water conservation is not just an environmental responsibility—it's also a practical way to reduce your monthly utility bills. Here in Salt Lake City, where water is a precious resource, implementing water-saving strategies can make a significant difference. Follow these simple tips to lower your water usage and save money.

1. Fix Leaks Promptly

Even small leaks can waste significant amounts of water over time. A faucet dripping at the rate of one drop per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. Check all faucets, showerheads, and outdoor spigots for leaks. Don't forget to inspect toilets for silent leaks by adding food coloring to the tank—if color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak that needs fixing.

2. Upgrade to Water-Efficient Fixtures

Modern low-flow fixtures can reduce your water consumption without sacrificing performance:

• Install WaterSense-labeled faucet aerators, which can reduce sink water usage by 30%
• Replace older showerheads with low-flow models (less than 2.5 gallons per minute)
• Upgrade to high-efficiency toilets, which use 1.28 gallons per flush or less compared to older models that use 3-5 gallons

3. Change Daily Habits

Small behavioral changes can add up to significant water savings:

• Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving (saves up to 4 gallons per minute)
• Take shorter showers—aim for 5 minutes or less
• Run only full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine
• Keep a pitcher of cold water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap until it's cold
• Thaw food in the refrigerator overnight rather than using running water

4. Optimize Your Landscaping

Outdoor water usage often accounts for 30% or more of residential water consumption:

• Water your lawn and garden in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
• Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways
• Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater for garden use
• Consider xeriscaping with drought-resistant plants native to Utah
• Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce watering needs

5. Invest in Water-Efficient Appliances

When it's time to replace appliances, choose ENERGY STAR certified models:

• ENERGY STAR washing machines use 25% less energy and 33% less water than conventional models
• Water-efficient dishwashers can save up to 5,000 gallons of water per year compared to hand washing
• Consider tankless water heaters, which provide hot water on demand and eliminate the energy lost in storing hot water

6. Monitor Your Water Usage

Being aware of your water consumption is the first step to reducing it:

• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used to detect hidden leaks
• Review your water bill each month to track improvements
• Consider installing a smart water meter that provides real-time usage data

At Mountain Valley Plumbing, we offer water efficiency audits to help you identify opportunities for water savings in your home. Our plumbers can install water-efficient fixtures, repair leaks, and provide expert advice on reducing your water consumption. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start saving on your water bills!