Your water heater is one of the most important household appliances that you treat well like your pet and think it will work efficiently for the long run without causing any trouble. But it is just another thing and can either cause trouble or stop working suddenly and it becomes high time for a water heater replacement. Listen to the call of your water heater and do needful things, otherwise, you will face cold water showers on chill days.
Water heaters are unsung heroes that provide warm water every day silently and you must check their signs before completely stopping providing warm water. If you ignore its signs, you can have a bigger problem, one that can just cause chilly discomforts.
This guide will walk you through the critical signs that specify you to consider the replacement of your water heater. By being careful and aware you can prevent the inconvenience and cost of a sudden failure.
When You Replace Your Water Heater
Here are a few signs that indicate it is the right time for a water heater replacement. Those signs include age rust, unusual noises, leaks, insufficient hot water, frequent repairs, rising energy bills, structural deformations, and flooding effects.
1. Age of the Water Heater
Water heaters are not like old wine or cheese which would get better with age. It gets damaged with age and requires replacement. Therefore, recognize the sign when it becomes old and replace it before becoming trouble.
The average lifespan of a water heater is about 8 to 12 years. If your unit is reaching out more than the age range, it is time to consider water heater replacement. Because with age, your unit becomes less efficient and more likely to fail.
An older water heater works harder to provide you with warm water, causing high power consumption and eventually high utility bills. This also leads to financial loss.
Rusty Water
When your water heater provides rusty water, you should consider it could be a sign of something wrong inside of your water heater. This is not only a matter of unpleasant aesthetics, it is a clear sign of internal corrosion and time to replace it. Rust water will not only impact the water quality but also leave rust stains on clothing and fixtures.
Noise from Tank
Noise coming from the tank is another indicator of replacing the water heater. Rumbling or banging noises during heating happen due to sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank.
Over time, sediment gets hardened and can lead to inefficiency, damage, and leaks. If your water heater is making unusual noises, it may be the end of its life. Initially, flashing annually can help to minimise sediment build-up but older ones can already have a significant amount of sediment accumulation, so this won’t help. The timing for replacement becomes evident when these noises occur regularly, showing that the sediment is causing internal damage that can not be easily fixed.
Leaks around the Tank
If you find leaks around your tank, it is an indicator of trouble. Leaks often show signs of crack or fracture in the tank, which is usually not repairable. Even a small leak can cause major problems. Thus, it is time to address this issue instantly. Ignoring the leaks can cause significant water damage leading to expensive repairs.
Inadequate Hot Water
When you are not getting sufficient hot water, you understand that the water heater is losing its efficiency and is not as robust as earlier. This can occur due to sediment build up or aging factors,which need replacement.
