For a majority of households, a water heater is important. Hot water is used for everyday living, from taking a shower to washing dishes. Sooner or later, you’ll start to see signs that it’s time to replace your water heater. So it’s important to know the signs that would indicated when it’s time to replace your water heater.
Here are the signs it’s time to replace your water heater:
1. Age
Water heaters have a limited lifespan. The majority of water heaters last between 8-10 years. It’s recommended you replace your water heater during this timeline. If you’re not sure how old your water heater is, you can check the serial number listed on the manufacturer’s sticker, located on the upper half of the water heater.
The serial number starts with a letter, which indicates the month of the manufacturer date. Then, followed by 2 numbers, which indicates the year. For example, a water heater marked with the serial number G081047856 was manufactured in July of 2008.
2. Rusty Water
Does your hot water come out with a red tint or rusty flavor? If so, this could be rust from inside your water heater because like all metals, the metal inside your water heater can rust with time. However, it’s hard to tell whether rust is coming from the water heater or the pipes that lead to your faucet. Regardless, rust isn’t safe and is an immediate problem that needs to be fixed.
3. Rumbling Noises
As your water heater ages, sediments may begin to build up. It starts to form on the bottom of the water tank and the sediment grows thicker and thicker over time. Then, causes loud banging or rumbling noises when the water heater is called upon to heat and reheat water. The loud banging or rumbling noises will either indicate a need for replacement or a tank flush.
4. Leaking
When the metal in a water heater becomes hot, the metal expands and contracts over time. Therefore, as your water heater nears the end of its life expectancy, the metal may begin to crack causing leaks around your water heater.
5. Inadequate Heating
The mechanisms inside water heaters will break or wear down causing your heater to stop heating. So your water heater may need a simple repair or replacing if your hot water is no longer coming out out or is only hot some of the time.
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