A water heater is definitely very important for the essential tasks it performs in your home. In fact, a well-functioning water heater can surely make your domestic life more livable, especially, if you are living in an area with very cold winter. However, like other home appliances that are in constant use, the water heater is subject to wear and tear. Thus, you should take care of it and provide it with the needed regular maintenance to ensure that it is working well every day.
Regular maintenance can surely prolong the life of your water heater. But time will come when you would need to replace your water heater with a new one. Of course, there are telltale signs that you would need to do it, and you should be mindful of these indicators so that you can replace your water heater before it completely bogs down. Here are the 5 signs indicative of the need to replace your water heater:
1. The Water Heater Hits Its 10 Years of Existence!
A typical tank water heater has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. So, when your water heater hopped into its 10th birthday, you would surely see signs that it is on its way out. If you don’t know the exact age of your water heater unit, you can check its manufacturer’s sticker. Then, read the serial number near its top. Its first two numbers would tell you the year when the water heater was released. But if you are still in doubt as to the exact date of its manufacturing release, you can then check the website of its manufacturer. There, you may find added information on the exact age of your water heater.
2. Your Water Heater is no Longer Giving Out Enough Hot Water!
The main purpose of your water heater is to give you an ample supply of hot water. But if it doesn’t yield enough hot water or if your shower stays cold, then, it defeats its purpose, and something might be wrong with the unit. This sign is surely indicative of the need to replace your water heater, and its inability to provide enough hot water is surely the most common sign that soon your water heater will totally fail.
Dregs and sediments usually build up in the heater over time. These dregs and sediments usually prevent contact between the water and heating element. Moreover, they usually take up space in the system. Hence, if you often see a sign that your water is no longer generating enough hot water, it may be the best time to replace your water heater.
3. Your Water Heater Leaks!
One indicator that you need to replace your water heater is when it is leaking. This spells big trouble because it may burst anytime. I’m not frightening you, but a potential burst could really happen. So, you need to check the source of the leak of your water heater. If it comes from a loose valve or connection, you only need to tighten up the connection or replace the valve. But if the leak is not due to any loose connection or valve, then it is a different case. Consult a professional then to know if the damage is repairable or if it is time to replace your water heater. In case you need to replace it, you can check the tankless water heater reviews to find the best tankless water heaters on the market today.
4. Your Heater is giving off Rusty Water!
Another telltale sign that your water heater needs replacement is if you often get rusty water from it. Brown, rusty water is indicative of corrosion inside the water heater. In such a case, the water usually has a metallic smell and taste. The onset of rusting means that soon the heater will leak and get badly damaged.
But rusty water is not often indicative of a bad water heater since the water heater has anode rods inside that act as magnetic points for all elements that may cause corrosion. So, these anode rods might simply need replacement in some instances. However, you need a professional to help you figure out if you simply need to replace the anode rods or if your water heater needs replacement.
Your Water Heater is Noisy!
Knocking and popping sounds from your water heater are indicative of damages in your water heater. These sounds may be due to sediment buildup within your water heater. This sediment may position themselves between the water and the heating elements of the unit. If not removed, it may cause an overheating of the water. This overheating may in turn cause damage to your tank by weakening it. You surely need to consult a professional to know if you need a new water heater or if you simply need to repair your water heating unit.
