What Rust on the Bottom of Your Water Heater Indicates

Your water heater does best with routine maintenance from a professional plumber. This annual service gives you the opportunity to react quickly and take care of potential problems. One such issue is a rusty bottom on tank water heaters.

Rust can grow in various places on your water heater and can be the result of damaged connections. But rust on the bottom of your water heater’s tank could be signs of a more complex problem. We would advise contacting a professional like Freschi Service Experts to learn if the tank’s interior liner has rusted. This happens after the anode rod fails. When functioning as usual, the anode rod filters impurities from the water.

When your tank has rust, it’s a good idea to schedule water heater replacement. Otherwise, you risk having your home flooded with gallons of water when the tank breaks.

Here are a small number of other signs that your water heater is beginning to fail.

4 Signs You Need Water Heater Replacement

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

1. Age

A well-maintained water heater usually survives for close to 10 years. If yours is near this age or older, it’s a good 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 might taste strange or stain your clothes when you wash them. While rust isn’t always harmful, it affects your water quality and might also stain your bathroom fixtures.

3. Decreased Hot Water

Your water heater should provide enough hot water, even if you’re showering and washing clothes at the same time. If you find yours is struggling even with minimal use, it’s time to get a new one.

4. Odd Sounds

When your water heater’s anode rod fails, sediment appears in the tank. As a result, your water heater must work longer to heat water. This can lead to clanking or knocking sounds, as well as larger energy bills.

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

Our trusted plumbers will share what’s best for your specific needs and your home. When looking into hot water heater replacement, they’ll help you decide 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 model. They have a dedicated supply of hot water, which is better-suited for heavy or frequent use. While these water heaters are the most affordable, they have some downsides. They are sizeable and constantly heating water, which is less energy efficient. And with a life span of about 12 years, they must be replaced more regularly than a tankless model.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are valued for their energy efficiency since they heat water on demand. Because they don’t have a tank, they can be squeezed in tight spaces, like under your sink or in a closet. As another bonus, they typically last twice as long as a tank model. However, it’s important to note they’re frequently more expensive than tank models. But this cost can be balanced with rebates since many models are ENERGY STAR® rated.

Trust Freschi Service Experts for Excellent Water Heater Replacement

Hot water heater replacement cost isn’t cheap. In fact, putting in 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 single monthly cost, you’ll get a brand new one installed at no surprise cost. There’s no down payment or large initial expense, and you’ll get to subtract 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 option to replace your water heater tank size or style based on your family’s changing needs.**

To learn the details about our process for water heater replacement in Concord, give us a call at 925-384-1303 today. Our Experts are happy to help however we can.


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


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