Three Signs That Call For A New Water Heater

As a homeowner, you know that owning a house comes with loads of responsibilities, including taking care of the water heater. You should ensure effective maintenance of your water heater and also know the top signs that it is time to replace the water heater.

When you experience the signs that we have jotted in the list below, you know that it is probably time to get a new water heater. So, don’t wait for a disaster to happen.

Read on to learn more.

You Have an Old Water Heater

One of the top signs that you need to replace your water heater includes the fact that you have a water heater that is too old. Most water heaters last between eight and twelve years. Anything that comes after that starts to affect the hot water systems, causing more and more problems.

So, check on the front of your water heater – if you find a rating plate, inspect it as it will reveal important information about the water heater, including the serial number. The serial number will depict the year the water heater was manufactured, whereas the model number will depict the size of the water heater.

If you find that the water heater is more than ten years old, you should start thinking about a water heater replacement.

You Hear Strange Noises

Watch out for strange noises coming from the water heater. If you hear sizzling or hissing sounds coming from the water heater, you likely have a sediment buildup that must be addressed. If you haven’t maintained your water heater properly, the sediment will cause damage by slowly overheating the bottom of your tank.

So, if you detect strange sounds being emitted from the water heater, you know that it is time to replace the old water heater with a new one.

You Detect Leaks

Another sign that you need a new water heater is when you detect leaks. As a matter of fact, a leaking water heater tank should be treated as an obvious sign that your water heater is past its prime. It is important to mention here that most homeowners tend to ignore small water leaks, so it might be tempting to ignore a small leak, but this is highly unsafe.

It is crucial that you replace your water heater immediately after discovering a leak. Look out for a pool of water underneath the water heater, and treat it as a sign that you need a new water heater. The thing about leaks is that they are likely the result of pressure buildup in your tank, and by neglecting a leak, you can have a serious accident, as a leaking tank can also lead to an explosion.

The Takeaway

You might need to call a plumber if you see rusty brown water coming out of the fixture. However, it could also be a sign that you might need to replace your water heater. So, if the water suddenly looks rusty or murky, there could be a problem with the water heater, such as a rusty anode rod within the water heater.