You could be shocked at how easy it is to forget about your water heater’s age, or how hard it can be to notice an issue before it results in a big leak.
There are several pointers that you can take advantage of to keep track of the status of your water heater. You’ll want to be alert for them to keep your equipment in the top state.
Here are five possible signs it may be time to replace your water heater in North America.
1. It’s Starting to Show Its Age
Just like the other crucial appliances inside your house, your water heater has a definite lifetime. When it approaches the end, it will function much less efficiently and may be more expensive to fix than replacing it.
The usual water heater life span is approximately six to eight years. You won’t want your water heater to be in use for longer than 10 years, because this can create expensive damage in your home if it fails.
There’s always a possibility for your water heater to run into problems before this time, so pay attention to anything that seems odd.
2. Rust is Starting to Appear
Rust is commonly a sign your water heater needs to be examined. Rust is corrosive and can rapidly expand to other components. This can create a leak or other malfunctions. If you observe some on the tank or pipes, call a licensed professional.
3. Limited Heated Water
If your water heater is straining to heat water, that’s a clear sign an upgrade is required. Your heater may not be able to create any hot water because of sediment. The tank volume could also be too small for the amount of water your household uses.
This is especially true for larger homes. The faster you use up hot water, the more critical it is to think about installing a new model.
4. You’re Hearing Odd Noises
Your water heater will make some noise. If you have noticed rumbling noises coming from the tank on a routine basis, that might indicate a piece isn’t tight.
Weird sounds may also suggest there’s junk piling up inside the tank’s base. Excessive buildup might make your water heater work harder and increase your heating and cooling expenses as a result.
Listen closely if you begin to note any unusual noises, and call us immediately.
5. Surprise Leaks
If you notice puddles or dark areas close to your water heater, it’s a good time to evaluate installing a new unit right away.
These leaks are typically created by small cracks in the tank itself. The longer you postpone it, the more likely you’ll run into an emergency when the tank malfunctions. (You can avoid a messy tank failure in the future by upgrading to a tankless water heater, which doesn’t keep water.)
Water damage is expensive to take care of and a nuisance you shouldn’t have to fret about.
If your water heater is past its prime, or in serious need of expert repairs, reach out to the Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning team at 866-397-3787. You can also schedule an appointment by contacting us online.