The water heater in your home has an important job to do every day – heating the water you use for cooking, cleaning, and hygiene. That makes your water heater one of the hardest working plumbing fixtures in your home. Plumbing professionals agree that with proper maintenance, you can expect your water heater to last for about 10-15 years. However, even the most well-maintained water heaters will eventually need to be replaced.
How do you know if it’s time to consider updating your water heater? There are a few signs that it will likely give when it’s nearing the end of its life. In this article, we’ll tell you the five things you should look out for if you suspect your water heater will need replacing, and how Home Climates can help. Keep reading below to learn more!
5 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Replacing
Nobody wants to deal with their water heater breaking down completely. It can be inconvenient at least and can cause a lot of damage at worst. So, how do you know if it’s time for a replacement? Some of the signs include:
- Discolored Water: If you notice that the hot water flowing from your taps looks rusty, it may be time to replace your water heater. Rusty hot water is a sign that there is corrosion within your tank. If your water is cloudy or sandy, it could be that there is significant sediment buildup in the tank. Your maintenance professional may be able to drain the tank and clear the sediment, but if your water remains cloudy, the tank will need to be replaced.
- Rising Energy Costs: Take notice if your energy bills increase, but your water isn’t as hot as it should be, hot water intervals don’t last long, or there is no hot water whatsoever. This can mean your tank is working harder than it should be to heat the water even minimally for your home. While your water heater may simply need to be serviced, an older water heater is likely on its way out.
- Unusual Noises: Has your water heater been making some strange sounds lately? Water heaters that need to be replaced may make loud rumbling or banging noises because there is substantial sediment in the bottom of the tank. If left unchecked, sediment can harden and thicken at the base of your water heater and wear the water heater down.
- Pooling Water/Leaks: When water heaters are nearing the end of their lifespan, they may leak around the floor of the tank. This is almost always an indication that the tank should be replaced as soon as possible. Even a small leak can quickly become a larger one, and that can cause costly damage to your home.
- Frequent Repairs: An older water heater that needs frequent repairs is often better off replaced. Not replacing a water heater that has been operating poorly or has had leaks often results in more costs for the homeowner in the long run.
If you notice any of the signs above, you’ll want to contact a professional plumbing contractor like Home Climates as soon as possible.
Count on Home Climates for all your water heater needs.
Reliable hot water shouldn’t be a luxury — if your home’s water heater isn’t delivering performance when you need it, it may be time to upgrade to an energy-efficient new unit from Home Climates. Both tankless and tank models are available, with several options at a range of different price points. Let our knowledgeable team match you with the right unit for your home. Call us today at 717-689-4151 and we’ll be more than happy to schedule an appointment with you.
