Five Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater

You indulge in a hot shower every night to unwind from a long, tiring day. You also turn a full dishwasher on before heading to bed on most nights of the week. If you can relate to these scenarios, you depend daily on your water heater to make your life easier and more comfortable. Unfortunately, even top-of-the-line water heaters eventually malfunction. Replacing units nearing the end of their livelihoods is crucial to prevent the inconvenience of water heater failure. While predicting water heater failure isn’t always simple, the following signs indicate it’s time to replace your unit.

Age of Your Water Heater

If your water heater is past its prime, numerous things can occur. For instance, parts can break down, your tank might crack, and corrosion may develop. Typically, ten years is the whole lifespan of tank water heaters. Therefore, knowing the age of your water heater is extremely important. If you’re unsure when yours was installed, check the serial number label on your unit. Makers of water heaters include the month and year units were produced in serial numbers. However, these numbers are usually alphanumeric codes. Visit your water heater manufacturer’s website to ascertain how to interpret your unit’s code and discover its age.

Little or No Hot Water

One of the first signs of a broken water heater is little to no hot water. When you turn your shower or faucets on, the water might be considerably cooler than it usually is. Or, the hot water may run out quickly. When these issues occur, a failing heating element is sometimes to blame. Or, mineral sediment may have covered the bottom of your unit and hardened.

Water Leakage

Leaks are never a positive thing. If you see water puddling around your water heater, your tank has probably reached the end of its life. Minimal drips can quickly worsen. If your entire tank breaks, major flooding can happen.

Rusty Water

Periodically checking and replacing the anode rod on your water heater can extend its life. This beneficial rod attracts corrosive elements hovering in your water. Slowly rusting away, it protects your tank from damage. If this rod isn’t replaced promptly, those pesky, corrosive agents will start attacking your whole unit. A corroded water heater causes rusty water to flow from your faucets and shower. If you suspect your water heater is rusted out, replace it as soon as possible. It will eventually begin leaking.

Unusual Noises

When the previously mentioned sediment covers and hardens your tank, it forces your unit to work harder. In addition, the rapid expansion of your water heater can occur. This may result in loud banging sounds emanating from your unit whenever a water tank is being heated. If your tank makes loud, unfamiliar sounds, getting a new one is a smart idea.

If one or more of the above mentioned signs sounds familiar, consider securing a professional plumbing company to replace your water heater soon. An expert at a reputable plumbing business can install your water heater properly according to current, local plumbing code and ensure all safety features are in place.