5 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Water Heater

There is nothing worse than hopping in the shower and immediately realizing your nice steamy hot shower has turned into an icy cold one. We often ignore the problems we can't see, but after a while, some plumbing issues become noticeable and sometimes unbearable. The cause of a drastic change in your water temperature is often due to the deterioration of your water heater from years of use.

Your water heater is an essential appliance in your house and should be appropriately maintained and replaced when needed. Ideally, your water heater should be replaced before it stops working altogether. Getting maintenance checks routinely can help prevent a larger and more costly issue. Ignoring the problem can result in a leak or severe water damage to your home. If you have not replaced your water heater since purchasing your home, give us a call at (818) 880-8847!

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What many homeowners fail to realize is that water heaters are being used daily and because of this they will begin to break down as years pass. Typically, water heaters will last from 8 to 10 years. Even if you have not had many problems with it just yet, after 10 years it’s a good idea to have it replaced to avoid a costly repair in the future.
Here are 5 signs that your water heater may need replacing:

● Water pooling: If you begin to notice leaks around your water heater, you should do a walkaround your unit once and check carefully for pooling. Upon checking, if you see water around the tank or dripping out of the tank, this is a strong indicator that you will need to replace the water heater. In most cases, leaks are caused by cracked metal that has expanded and is forcing the water out.

● Strange noises: If you hear new strange noises coming out of your heater, this is another sign that you should consider replacing it. The noises could be similar to a thunderstorm, which is caused by the excessive buildup of mineral deposits. Over time, residue builds upon the base of the tank. Once these sediments become harder, they start making noises by banging on the heater.

● Rust: If you notice the water coming from your heater appears contaminated, this could be due to rust particles. This contaminated water will have a metallic smell and taste, and sometimes can appear muddy which is an indication of sediments present at the base of the tank. You can resolve some of these issues by flushing or descaling the tank yearly and getting rid of the sediments.

● Lukewarm water: Notice a decrease in your hot water’s temperature? Even when you turn up the heater from 120 to 140 degrees and your water is still not hot enough it may be time for you to get a new water heater. On such occurrences, it is important to realize that the water heater should be replaced before other appliances that might have been damaged due to this issue.

● Constant repairs: When your water heater requires frequent repairs, it needs to be replaced to avoid spending any more money on a repair that will not completely fix the problem. When your water heater starts breaking apart or is not performing as it should, this is another sign that it will not last you much longer. The best option is to replace your appliance to save money and have your water heater functioning properly.