Your home’s water heater was not designed to last forever – it has an expiration date. What that end date is, however, can all come down to your diligence in taking care of it. If you schedule routine maintenance, inspections, and repairs, then you’re golden for up to 15 years (or sometimes more, depending on the exact water heater). For most households however, the water heater often goes unnoticed for years at a time.. As a homeowner, you should understand how your water heater operates, the signs of a failing water heater, and when to replace an old model. Here are five signs you need a new water heater.
Age
First and foremost, age is going to be the most significant sign of a dying water heater. Typically, you can expect your standard water heater to last for about 10 years. Then, it will start to get tired. You’ll notice this if you’re constantly scheduling repairs and servicing. You might be lucky enough to squeeze a few more years out of an aging system, but getting past the 10-year mark is honestly rather impressive.
Odd Noises
A water heater is not totally silent, but the same time, most water heaters do not make strange noises, either.. As a water heater ages, or malfunctions, it can begins to make grumbling and groaning sounds. These noises stem from built-up sediment at the bottom of the tank. As the water is heated, the sediment begins to harden and re-harden. The banging or rumbling noises is the sediment shifting.
Rusty Water
Any sign of rust in your hot water is far from ideal. It is a definite, unmistakable sign that you need a new hot water heater sooner rather than later. Typically, rust in the water supply means the tank itself is beginning to corrode. The anode rod may be exhausted, leading to said corrosion. There is no saving a corroded tank, unfortunately. It will have to be replaced.
Lack of Hot Water
For most households, a smaller hot water heater is enough to get the job done. However, if you have children and run multiple water-based appliances each day, you’re going to need a sizable water heater tank. If the tank is improperly sized, it will lead to a lack of hot water, often at the most inconvenient of times. Always schedule professional installation and speak with an expert to nab the perfect sized hot water heater.
Leaks
When it comes to residential plumbing, leaks are never a good sign. If your water heater is beginning to leak, the inner tank may be corroding, or have a crack from the sediment buildup and expansion from the intense temperatures. A leak can lead to extensive damage in your home,; not to mention a lack of hot water when you need it most.
Do not ever go without access to hot water. Schedule affordable hot water heater services from Rick’s Plumbing by calling 203-874-6629! We will send a certified plumber to your home right away to inspect your old water heater and begin preparations for a replacement.