With proper and regular maintenance, your water heater may last for many years. However, there are instances that your water heater may fail to do its job properly at some point in time due to serious problems or old age.
If you don’t know when to look for a new water heater, it’s always a good idea to ask for professional help or make sure to keep the following signs in mind to know if you need immediate replacement:
1. Presence Of Water Puddles Around Your Heating System
If you’ve noticed puddles around your water heater, there could be a leak in your tank that you should fix immediately.
Slight fractures may develop over time as metal tanks contract and expand with heat. But, once there are fractures, you’re at risk for a tank burst, so it’s time to reach out to professionals to replace your water heater.
If you’re still undecided about which water heater to consider, it’s always a good idea to shop around first and read reviews like Noritz tankless water heater reviews to help you make a better choice.
2. Knocking Noises
If your water heater makes a popping or knocking noise, it’s due to the sediment buildup that’s coating your water heater’s bottom part.
You have to take note that sediment in the water, like magnesium and calcium particles, settle at the bottom of your water heater.
As this layer of sediment builds, it becomes a barrier between your water and heating elements, causing overheating.
Overheating water may weaken your tank and cause it to burst or leak. The good news is that once you notice such noise, you can save your tank by considering a professional to flush your water heater.
This eliminates the sediment layer and keeps your water heater in tip-top shape. However, if the sediment buildup has been there for a long time, it might be time for you to find a new water heater.
3. Fluctuating Or Inconsistent Water Temperatures
If your warm shower suddenly turns stone-cold or boiling hot, it’s a sign that there’s a problem with your water heater. It can be due to the reduced ability of your water heater to feed the water out at a constant pressure.
A water heater that has partially blocked or clogged the output line may also result in this problem. If you don’t want to experience this issue again, get your water heater replaced to ensure a consistent temperature.
4. Reduced Capacity Of Hot Water
If your hot water runs out faster than it would before, it’s a sign that your system has reduced the capacity of hot water, which is due to wear and tear.
It also shows that your water heater is wearing out so bad that it requires a new replacement.
One of the culprits of reduced capacity is a dying thermostat or heating element. Once the water in the tank is not hot, you need to use more of it to keep the temperature at your comfort.
It means that you’ll run out quickly, and your tank won’t hold as much as it could before. If you want to fix this problem, make sure to replace your water heater.
5. Increasing Energy Costs
Everybody dreads checking out the energy bills every month, and such won’t get any better if you have an old water heater that burns a lot of energy to provide you the hot water you need.
If your energy bills continue to increase even if you try your best to lessen your consumption, your water heater might be the cause.
Inefficient and old water heaters use more energy to give you hot water. While. in several cases, such problems can be fixed, there are instances that a new water heater replacement is a good option.
6. Slow Drip Leak
Leaks from water heaters aren’t always big, downright devastating, and obvious. As a matter of fact, most leaks start out small.
Once you check your drain pan, and you see water leaks, you must pay attention to it for a day or two. If the pool of water stays and gets bigger day by day, such leaks must be addressed immediately.
The longer you let your water heater leak, the more danger you could be in. So, contact a professional and install a new water heater.
7. Rust
If you notice signs of rust, it’s a sign that the corrosion in your tank is getting worse and that you may need to replace your water heater. Signs of rust may also include water with a metallic smell or discolored water.
A good way to ensure that the rust comes from your water heater and not from your pipes is to fill some buckets of hot water and fill a few buckets with cold water.
If you only see signs of rust on the buckets of hot water, it’s a sign that you need a new water heater.
8. Frequent Repairs
Do you often call a plumber to fix your water heater? If yes, the cost of such services may add up and the frequent repairs could make your unit more vulnerable to problems over time.
So, rather than paying for plumbing services, it might be better to invest your money in a new unit.
You can get electric water heaters installed for hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the warranty, capacity, and some factors.
With the options available in the market, there is always a water heater suited for your needs and budget.
9. Old Age
On every water heater label, there is information you can read to know about several details such as capacity, manufacturing, and inspector.
Among such details is the date when your water heater was manufactured. If the date is more than eight years, there’s a chance that your water heater may not be as efficient as before.
If your water heater is too old, considering a new replacement is worth your investment as you won’t have to deal with frequent repairs.
Conclusion
Deciding when to replace a water heater is easier once you know the signs that point to it.
Buying a new water heater can help you enjoy savings on the utilities and make your showers more comfortable with hot water available always.
