Water heater replacement is rarely something people think about until they wake up one morning and find they have no hot water. Since the average person uses warm water multiple times daily, your water heater is one of the hardest working appliances in your home. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your unit, but at some point, every water heater will need to be replaced.
5 Signs You Need a New Water Heater
1. The Age of Your Water Heater
Most standard water heaters last about a decade before they need to be replaced. With regular maintenance and a bit of luck, you may be able to get a few more years out of your water heater, but at the 10-year mark, it’s time to start investigating your replacement options. If you have an older water heater, purchasing a water leak alarm that alerts you at the first sign of a leak is a good investment. They are inexpensive and easy to use, and they can help prevent a major cleanup if your tank begins to leak.
2. It’s Making Strange Noises
A failing water heater will often begin to make strange noises. Over time, sediment builds up in the bottom of the tank. When the water is heated, the sediments harden, and you may hear banging or rumbling noises inside the heater. Having the sediment drained annually is an excellent way to extend the life of your water heater and prevent early failure.
3. Rusty Hot Water
Rust usually indicates that your water heater needs to be replaced. Rust frequently accumulates near the temperature and pressure relief valves, and it can also be found along the water inlet and outlet connections. If you have rusty or discolored hot water coming out of your taps, it’s a sign that your heater is corroding and a replacement is needed.
4. You Have Water Leaks
Water pooling on the floor underneath your water heater indicates there may be a leak in the tank that needs to be dealt with immediately. Small cracks or fractures can develop over time as the metal tank expands and contracts with heat over and over again. When your tank develops a leak, you’re at serious risk of a burst tank, and it’s time to call a professional plumber for immediate repair or replacement.
5. Not Enough Hot Water
As your water heater ages, its ability to adequately heat water declines, and sometimes a simple repair is all that is required. Your water heater may need a new heating element or thermostat. Sometimes, there isn’t anything wrong with the water heater, but your water heater isn’t big enough for your household’s needs. If you are running the dishwasher, washing machine, and shower simultaneously, even a large tank will struggle to meet the demand.
Water Heater Repairs
If you’re experiencing problems with your water heater, you should call a licensed plumber for an inspection. They can assess your heater, determine whether repairs are possible, and estimate the life expectancy of your unit after repairs are made. A professional plumber will also be able to advise you of the cost of a new water heater and whether or not installing a replacement makes the most sense, given your situation.
Should You Replace Your Water Heater Before It Fails?
The location of your home’s water heater may be a deciding factor for your next step. Water leaks can quickly cause thousands of dollars in property damage. If your water heater is in the garage, you may decide to wait until the tank completely fails since the damage and cleanup are likely minimal. If your water heater is inside your home, it’s best to be proactive and replace your unit before a complete failure occurs. There are several types of water heaters to choose from, but any new model will be significantly more energy-efficient and reliable than your old model.
Call the Trusted Plumbing Professionals in Los Gatos
Whether you need a water heater for a newly built home or to replace an old, inefficient unit, a licensed professional will be able to complete all aspects of the job. A professional plumber will ensure that the proper permits are pulled, the old unit is safely removed, and the proper installation of the new unit is completed. Having a water heater installed by a licensed plumber is the best way to ensure your unit is safe and meets all local code requirements.
The team at Simply Green Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter can help you choose the right water heater for your home. Whether you want to have your existing water heater repaired or replace it with a new energy-efficient model, our highly trained technicians can help you make an informed decision. Call us at (408) 716-1686 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.