When Should I Replace My Water Heater?

Signs of Trouble

Dirty and smelly water, rust or discoloration in the water tank, and unusual sounds emanating from your unit all indicate that something is wrong with your system. In addition, older systems are prone to flooding and leaking so you may need to repair damage that can be costly.

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It is important to know the age and condition of your water heater. An easy way to determine the age is to look at the serial number. Every serial number begins with a letter. These letters correspond to particular months (A refers to January, B refers to February, and so on). Following the letter will be a series of numbers. The first two numbers represent the last two digits of the year the water heater was manufactured. Knowing that an average water heater lasts between 8-10 years will help you determine if it’s time for a replacement.

Rust in your water is one of the most common signs that your water heater needs replacement. Rust in your water could be due to a deteriorated pipe (particularly if it is galvanized) or possibly even a rusty tank. To determine the root of the issue fill several buckets with water. If you still see rust after running through the test, then it’s clear that it’s time to replace your tank

Are you hearing strange noises coming from your water tank? As time goes on and the temperature in your home changes, sediments can collect on the floor of your water heater’s tank. If this happens it can harden and create unwanted noise when your water is heating up.

Leaking water is often a sign of a problem with your hot water heater and should be investigated immediately. Check all joints and parts for damage and make sure they are still tightly secured to the tank. Hot water heaters are constantly expanding and contracting due to excessive heat, so the pressure from these changes might cause the metal tanks to crack over time.

Your water heater may be in need of replacement if it’s not producing hot water. There are several possible reasons for this, including a faulty pilot light or heating element that is malfunctioning, or a misadjusted or broken thermostat that can’t maintain the ideal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, a water heater may suffer from a leak and no longer produce as much hot water as it used to. This could be an indication that your unit is nearing the end of its lifespan and should be replaced. A new water heater will ensure a safe, healthy home for you and your family!