No matter how well you take care of your water heater, it isn’t going to last forever. Most water heaters can last up to a decade, though this can vary. That’s why it’s good to be aware of the signs of needing a new water heater. Getting a new water heater at the right time can help you save plenty of money on future repair bills.
Read on to learn more about the signs that it might be time to replace your water heater.
Strange sounds
When water heaters get up there in age, they may start making strange noises. This is often due to sediment building up at the bottom of the tank. This sediment will continue to harden over time and could result in major issues for your water heater, including decreased efficiency and leaking.
The best way to avoid sediment buildup is to have a professional plumber flush your water heater on an annual basis. That said, if the water heater still makes noise after proper flushing, you may need a new one.
Old age
As mentioned above, a well-maintained water heater will last about a decade—give or take a few years. If your water heater is approaching the 10-year mark, it’s best to start considering a new one. Around this age, some water heaters will experience many of the warning signs mentioned in this article, including rusty water and leaks.
You don’t want to risk a tank burst, which is why it’s best to replace an old water heater instead of trying to get a few more years out of it. Buying a new one will likely save you more money in the long run.
Rusty water
One of the most common water heater problems involves rust appearing in the water supply. Over time, corrosion on water pipes and the tank will lead to rust. This rust can often end up in your home’s water supply, which may be annoying and disgusting, though it isn’t dangerous.
Many water heaters start to rust when they reach eight to ten years old. If your water heater is fairly new and starts to rust, it may just need a quick repair. If it’s older, you’ll likely find it more cost effective to replace your water heater.
Leaks
Pooling water near your water heater is never a good sign. If the leak is coming from the tank itself, you should contact a plumber as soon as possible. Cracks will only worsen over time if you don’t get them repaired and can lead to tank bursts—not to mention that the leaking water itself could cause major damage to your home.
If you’re experiencing one of the water heater problems mentioned above, be sure to contact a professional plumbing service right away. The longer you put off repairing the issue, the worse it will get. Avoid paying expensive future repair bills by contacting the plumbing experts at Big City Plumbing, LLC. We offer a large variety of plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties.