Our water heaters serve an important purpose in our homes, and yet with our busy lives most of us don’t give thought to our water heaters until something goes wrong. When everything is running smoothly, our water heaters are furthest from our minds, but when issues arise, we’re eager to understand the problem. So, what are the signs that your water heater needs to be replaced?
Your Water Heater Age
Not every type of water heater is the same, but most water heaters last about 8 to 12 years. The lifespan of your water heater depends on several factors, including the quality of water, quality of the installation, and maintenance. As a general rule of thumb, if your water heater is over 10 years old and it’s starting to leak, it’s probably time for a replacement.
Rust/Corrosion
If you start to notice rust coming out of the faucets in your sink and bathtub, chances are you have a rusty water heater. If you notice rust on the pressure valve, it could be a sign that rust has taken over the inside of the tank. At this point, the tank will need to be replaced as soon as possible. If your water tank is old, rust will be inevitable, but rusting can also occur before the tank has reached its expiration date.
Water Heater Noise
If you notice your water tank getting louder and louder as it heats water up, it’s a sign that your water heater is either getting old, or it’s not being properly maintained, and it needs to be flushed. If you don’t know the expiration date of your tank, give us a call to come out and assess the condition of your water heater to see if a replacement is necessary, or if the problem can be fixed with regular maintenance.
Water Heater Leaking
If water is appearing on the floor around the tank, it usually means that your tank is leaking. Water heater leaking can cause major property damage, so this is an issue that needs to be addressed promptly. Usually the cause of a leak is simply old age; the water heater has gone through thousands of cycles, and the metal has expanded, causing slight fractures.
At Hope Plumbing, we offer full water heater replacement, as well as water heater maintenance. Contact us today if you are experiencing any of these issues so we can address them in time.