Typical Signs It’s Time for a New Water Heater

All plumbing fixtures and appliances in a house break down after use for a long time. Water heaters follow the same trend. You should look out for the most common problems that indicate it’s time to buy a new water heater.

Warning signs for a water heater failure include the following:

• Leaking
• Aging
• Varying water temperatures
• Hot water shortage
• Making strange noises
• Delivering rusty or cloudy water
• Requiring expensive repairs

Leaking

If your water heater starts leaking, it is time to get a new one. Leaking in water heaters can be caused by various technical issues. For instance, loose connections, pressure adjustments, or a broken valve, all of which are fixable issues. However, if the tank leaks are because the tank has corroded or cracked, the tank is damaged, and you will need to get a new water heater.

Aging

Electric house appliances are made to last for a long time but not forever. Most water heaters have a life span of 10-12 years. A decent water heater will serve you for ten years if it is well maintained and often checked by a technician.

After ten years, the repairs become more, and they are expensive because the main parts start breaking down over and over. You should consider getting a new water heater if it has lasted for ten years or more.

Hot Water Shortage

If your water heating system is not keeping water hot for long enough or heating water slowly, the system is broken. Hot water problems might be due to sediment build-up around the burner or heating element. Such problems are early signals that you need to replace your water heater soon.

Making Strange Noises

When water heaters are old enough to be replaced, they start making rumbling or popping noises. These are signals that the significant parts are close to failure.

The sounds get louder as time goes by. They are mainly due to sediment build-up and mineral formation inside the tank. The water heater consumes more energy to heat water as these layers form and thicken.

The various parts of the water heater work harder, thus wearing out and becoming cranky. The sediments and minerals formed also wear the tanks, leading to cracks and leaks. Therefore, strange noises from your water heating system should notify you to plan on a new one.

Delivering Rusty or Cloudy Water

If your water heater is delivering cloudy or rusty water, It is time for a replacement. Rusty water is water with rust deposits or water with a metallic odor.

There are two leading causes for rusty water: rusty pipes that can be replaced or rust inside the water heater, which means a new water heating system.

Another sign through water is murky water, which means that the water heating system has limited time before it fails.

Varying Water Temperatures

If the water changes from hot to cold while using it, you need to consider a new water heater. This problem means that the system cannot heat water continuously because it is unable to store heated water for long periods. This is a significant signal that you need a new water heater for your household.

Requiring Expensive Repairs

Regular repairs and maintenance services should not be expensive. Once you start replacing costly parts of your water heater, you should buy a new one.

You might end up spending a lot on repairing your old water heater, and you will still need to buy a new one. Some of the issues keep reoccurring and damaging the water heater parts even more.

A savvy homeowner replaces the water heater when the repair costs become too expensive. This applies to all appliances, including furnaces. You can consult local companies for a cost-friendly furnace quote.

Conclusion

If you have had your water heater for more than ten years, then you should be ready to get a new one. Water heaters that have served for that long will start giving you the signs mentioned above.

The signs range from rusty water to strange noises from the system to hot water shortage. It is advisable that you replace your water heater every ten years to avoid expensive repair costs that are not a permanent solution. Save the money on repairs and get a new water heater for your household.