Hot Water Wisdom: 5 Telltale Signs Your Tank Needs a Tune-Up

Schedule Now

For many homeowners, the hot water tank is an essential yet often overlooked component of their daily comfort and convenience. At Apollo Home, proudly serving the Cincinnati and Dayton areas, we recognize the critical role a well-functioning hot water system plays in your home. In this informative blog, we’ll uncover five straightforward signs that indicate your hot water tank may need replacing. We’ll also delve into common reasons behind tank failures and provide practical tips for preventative maintenance. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge, helping you maintain an efficient, reliable hot water system, courtesy of Apollo Home’s expert plumbing services.

1. Age of the Tank:

Most hot water tanks have a lifespan of 8-12 years. If your tank is in this age range or older, it might be time for an inspection. The efficiency of older tanks decreases, leading to higher energy bills and potential failures.

2. Rusty Water or Tank:

If you notice rusty water coming from your hot water taps, it’s a sign of internal tank corrosion. Similarly, visible rust on the tank’s exterior suggests deterioration, signaling that replacement might be imminent.

3. Water Leaks Around the Tank:

Water pooling around the base of your tank is a clear indicator of a problem. Leaks can cause significant property damage and are often a sign of a failing tank.

4. Inconsistent Water Temperature:

Fluctuating water temperatures or a lack of hot water can indicate sediment buildup or element failure within the tank. These issues can sometimes be repaired, but they often signal the end of your tank’s useful life.

5. Unusual Noises:

Strange noises like rumbling or banging from your hot water tank are often due to sediment accumulation. This sediment forces the tank to work harder, leading to inefficiency and potential failure.

Common Causes of Hot Water Tank Failures:

Sediment Build-up:

Over time, minerals in the water can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, forming a layer of sediment. This insulates the water from the heater’s flame, causing it to run longer to heat the water and potentially overheat, which can weaken the metal and damage the inner lining. In short, this causes overheating and premature wear.

Corrosion:

The interior of a hot water tank is metal, often steel, which can rust and corrode over time when in constant contact with water, especially if the protective lining or anode rod fails. Corrosion is a natural process that eventually affects all tanks but can be accelerated by certain factors in the water.

Pressure Issues: 

Water tanks are designed to handle a specific range of pressure. Excessive pressure, often due to thermal expansion or a malfunctioning pressure relief valve, can cause stress on the tank, leading to cracks, leaks, or in extreme cases, tank rupture.

Poor Maintenance:

Neglecting regular maintenance leads to issues such as sediment build-up and anode rod depletion going unchecked, which can significantly shorten the lifespan of the tank.

Preventative Maintenance Tips:

Annual Inspections: 

A qualified technician should inspect the hot water tank annually for any signs of malfunction, such as rust, corrosion, or leaks. They can also assess the condition of components like the pressure relief valve and heating element. 

Regular Flushing: 

Performing a flush of the tank at least once a year can clear out the sediment that has settled at the bottom, helping to prevent overheating and prolong the tank’s life. 

Check the Anode Rod:

The anode rod is designed to corrode in place of the tank walls. Checking it every 2-3 years is crucial, and if it’s significantly worn down, it should be replaced to continue protecting the tank from rust and corrosion.

Monitor Water Pressure: 

Ensure your home’s water pressure is within a safe range to avoid undue strain on the tank.

Whole Home Water Filters

Installing a whole home water filter can remove or reduce minerals and chemicals in the water before they enter the hot water tank, thus reducing sediment build-up and corrosion inside the tank. This can be particularly beneficial in areas with hard water.

Understanding these warning signs and taking proactive steps can help extend the life of your hot water tank. If you’re in Cincinnati or Dayton, Ohio, and suspect your hot water tank needs attention, contact Apollo Home. Our expert plumbing services are designed to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your home’s systems, giving you peace of mind and comfort.

Remember, regular maintenance and timely replacement of your hot water tank not only prevent unexpected disruptions but also contribute to the overall energy efficiency of your home. When you have a plumbing Uh-oh, call Apollo Home!

Schedule
Call
"Ernie & Mike did a superb job on my new furnace and A/C installation. Despite having more than a day’s work to do, they came in and stayed until the job was done. They were organized, efficient, and protected the rest of the house well. Got both furnace and A/C installed the same day. Ernie was courteous, informative, and clearly knew his job better than anyone I’ve encountered before. The units look so good guests now get The Tour of our new system. Apollo is clearly not a fly-by-night company. I would recommend them to anyone in need of a new furnace and/or A/C."
- Jerry A.
"I called Apollo because of a water leak I thought I had in our upstairs shower going into the kitchen. Robbie came and assured me everything was fine & looked at all the other plumbing. He ended up changing a few pipes for our washer & clearing a drain. He was very nice & knowledgeable with all my questions. I ended up signing up for the care plan & was very happy with my service."
- Cassandra B.
"The team at Apollo exceeded my expectations. As a business owner, my attention to the details and commitment to providing excellent service is high. From the sales rep. to the installation team, everyone’s performance was outstanding. For example, the installation team went to great lengths to protect our floors, placing floor runners and across the wood floors and up the stairs. They even were spot washing walls upon their departure. I highly recommend this company."
- Randy B.
"We scheduled an estimate AND a tune-up. We knew something was wrong with our furnace, but hoped we could make it through the rest of the season. Upon telling Bill what our furnace was doing, he warned us immediately what the possible outcome was going to be; a cracked heat exchanger. He watched the flames roll backward, tested carbon monoxide levels, which were so high they meter’s last reading was 5,600 before saying “high”. He immediately shut it down, tagged it, and explained that with levels that high and children in our home he wanted off right away. He continued his inspection and showed us via a camera that not only was it cracked in multiple places, but had holes all over it. He gave us a few options for repairing it; his knowledge as well as genuine concern was beneficial and refreshing. Luckily we also scheduled an estimator, Micah, to come too and we were able to get costs between repairing and replacing (with several options). We decided to replace with a much higher efficiency furnace and one sized properly to our home. Hands down, not only did they both provide us great service and knowledge, but without sounding dramatic, they may have saved our lives. This was our first time calling Apollo, but it won’t be our last."
- Sarah B.
"Apollo is an excellent company. I always receive great service. Alex A. was professional and friendly. He kept me informed during the process of checking my furnace and heat pump to make sure they were working properly. The company makes sure you are notified who is coming and when they are on the way. All my interactions with the company have been wonderful."
- Beverly S.
    Read Reviews
    Image

    Financing

    Learn More
    Image

    Apollo Care Plan

    Learn More