Hot running water is a modern luxury that many take for granted. Hot steamy showers and water using appliances make life more comfortable, convenient and help improve our health and sanitation standards. When your hot water goes out it can be a big deal! Replacing your water heater can be a costly event. Knowing the warning signs that your water heater is going out can help you prepare for it.
#1 How Old is Your Water Heater?
Water heaters usually have a life span of 10-15 years. If you are unsure how old your water heater is, or if you are nearing the 10-15 year threshold, then it could be time to replace your water heater. While regular maintenance can help lengthen the lifespan of your water heater, eventually it will have to be replaced. If you are coming up on the 10-year mark, it’s a good idea to prepare yourself, mentally and financially.
#2 Discolored Water
Discolored water is another sign that it’s time to replace your water heater. Sediment, most often rust, builds up in the tank of your water heater over time. If your hot water starts coming out brown, then your water heater is probably near the end. Regular maintenance for your water heater should include flushing the water heater tank once a year to reduce the amount of sediment. If you don’t mind bathing in brown rusty water, then be our guest. However, you should know that sediment buildup in water can leave skin and hair feeling dry and brittle and adversely affect color or chemically treated hair. Sediment buildup can also cause damage to your appliances.
#3 Loud Noises
If your water heater is making loud banging or rumbling sounds that it could be time to replace your water heater. As sediment builds up at the bottom of your tank, and get re-heated over and over, it begins to harden. When this happens your water heater has to work harder and use more fuel to maintain its temperature. This also puts more wear and tear on the tank, causing it to get brittle and more likely to spring a leak.
#4 Water Leak
If you notice a pool of water around your water heater than it’s time to replace your water heater. Slow leaks and drips can quickly become a big problem. When that tank goes, it could be a big, flooded mess. Best take care of the problem before it causes unnecessary water damage.
#5 No Hot Water
If you turn on the hot water and there is no hot water to speak of, then it could be time to replace your water heater. While it could simply be that the pilot light is out, yay! Or it could mean that your water heater has reached the end of the road and it’s time to replace your water heater.
Water heater on the fritz? Consider a tankless water heater! Contact Courtesy Plumbing today learn more about your water heater options!
