Can an Old Water Heater Make You Sick in Deacons Corner, MB?

King's Services

You and others in your Deacons Corner home have been feeling under the weather lately, but you can’t quite put your finger on why. Maybe you’re sniffling, coughing, and feeling generally rundown while indoors. It may come as a surprise, but if you’ve been skimping on plumbing maintenance, your water heater could be to blame.

Can an old water heater make you sick? It sure can!

Learn about the health hazards of an ancient water heater below. If it’s time for a water heater replacement, call our trusted plumber in Deacons Corner, MB.

Old Water Heater Health Risks for Your Deacons Corner Household

Can an old water heater make you sick if it performs okay in every other sense? Yes, old water heaters present a number of risks, from bacteria to mould. The professionals from King’s Services cover the most severe health risks below so that you know when it’s time to replace your unit in Deacons Corner, Manitoba.

Old Water Heater Bacteria Growth

You might think that your water heater is hot enough to kill any bacteria, and normally, that’s true. However, if your water heater has aged badly, it’ll have a harder time keeping the water hot. Lukewarm water turns into a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can seriously sicken your family members.

Legionella is the most common bacteria found in water heaters and can cause Pontiac fever, an illness with flu-like symptoms. It’s also the bacteria behind the much more serious Legionnaires’ disease, which can cause severe pneumonia.

Mould Growth In and Around Old Water Heaters

The warm, dark environment inside your water heater tank presents a haven for mould growth. The older your water heater is, the more likely it is to be home to a variety of mould types, some of which can severely affect your health.

If you’ve skimped on water heater maintenance, you may start to notice a bad taste or smell in the water. Drinking a small amount of mouldy water might not hurt you, but gastrointestinal illnesses and other health problems will emerge if it’s ongoing.

The Water Heater Rust and Sickness Connection

Can an old water heater make you sick if it’s rusting? Yes, it can, and this is a huge problem with old water heaters in Deacons Corner. With rust issues, your water may have a brown colour or taste metallic.

Rusty water can wreak serious havoc on your home’s plumbing system, too. It’s safe to drink in small amounts. However, a long-term buildup of iron oxide in your body can lead to hemochromatosis, a condition that damages your liver, pancreas, heart, and endocrine system.

Manitoba’s Insect and Animal Infestations That Affect Water Heaters

Insects, such as cockroaches and small animals (especially rats), love the warmth and darkness your water heater provides. These critters chew on and damage your plumbing. Their droppings and saliva in the water will dangerously sicken your family.

If your water heater is old and you haven’t paid much attention to it over the years, could it have an infestation? Droppings, hair, insect parts, and chewed wires are a sure sign. Call a plumber right away (and an exterminator, too)!

Symptoms of Water Heater Illness To Watch Out For

Can an old water heater make you sick if it is working in other respects? Yes, because water contamination has so many different causes. Symptoms of unhealthy water heater contents include the following health symptoms:

Respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, and nasal congestion
Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea
Severe fatigue and weakness
Unusual headaches
Hives and itchy skin, which indicate a potential mould allergy

If you suspect your water heater needs decontamination or replacement, stop using it!

When To Replace Your Ancient Water Heater

Is your old water heater making you sick? Here are some signs to help you make a call on replacing your water heater in Deacons Corner, Manitoba:

It is 10 to 15 years old. Older water heaters often cause health risks.
It has broken down multiple times recently. Water heater replacement may be more cost-effective than repeatedly paying for repairs.
It takes a long time to heat water. Delayed heating indicates water heater sediment buildup, which can be a health risk if left to fester.