Signs You Needs A New Water Heater

Whether you have a new home that you just moved into or if you have lived in your home for years there are signs that it is time to get a new water heater. Knowing the signs of needing a new water heater is important so you can continue to have hot water and prevent things like leaks or other plumbing issues related to the age of your water heater. Once you have seen some of the signs of needing your water heater replaced you can call in the plumbing professionals to set you up with a brand new water heater to keep your water hot!

It may be tucked in a closet or behind a panel you didn’t know was there until now, but if you have hot water in your home you have a hot water heater. There are different types and styles of water heaters available but they all provide the same service and are just as important. Hot water in your home is important for bathing, cleaning, and much more, and when it’s time for a replacement you will definitely know. Having your water heater in prime working condition is important not only for the benefits of hot water but also for keeping your utility bills at bay and preventing any plumbing disasters. Water heaters work by lighting a pilot light and heating water to the set temperature leaving you with hot water needed for everything around the house and without them you’d just be left with cold water year-round.

Most of the time we just turn our faucets on and grab some hot water as needed without thinking. There’s hardly a huge event when we get our hot water so how do we know when it’s time to replace the water heater? There are sure signs to help you determine if it’s time for a new water heater so you can keep up with it before it becomes a bigger problem!

Age

One of the first signs of needing a new water heater is it’s just plain getting old. Of course, a lot of homeowners have the philosophy if it’s not broken don’t fix it but that isn’t always true for water heaters. If your water heater is getting up in age it’s time for a replacement to ensure that it is continuing to work not just properly but efficiently which can affect your utility bills. Most water heaters are guaranteed to last for around 10 years so once you hit that mark it’s time to start looking at replacement options. If you have just moved into your home and are unsure of your water heater it may be a good idea to replace it as well not knowing how long it has been there to keep your home running efficiently.

Strange Noises Occur

The older your water heater gets the more noise it’s going to make. If you start to notice strange noises happening with your water heater it’s a sure sign it’s time to be replaced. Over time, sediments can settle at the bottom of your hot water heater and when the water is heated, these sediments can harden. When this occurs you will hear banging or rumbling from your hot water heater indicating it’s near the end of its lifespan.

Rusty Water From Faucets

Rusty water coming from your faucets can be shocking, but that is also a sign of needing to replace the unit. With age, water and metal will lead to corrosion and that can lead to rust that is then seen coming through the faucet. While there are ways to fix this if your water heater is new enough, this problem typically occurs with the age of your hot water heater indicating a replacement is necessary.

Hot Water Isn’t Lasting

If you are only able to reminisce on the days of long hot showers it may be time to replace your hot water heater. With age, you’ll find that your hot water becomes more sparse and won’t last as long as it used to. The older your hot water gets it will become less efficient at heating water because of not only age but losing capacity from sediment build up. If your water heater is fairly new it may not be an issue with needing a new water heater altogether but a need for a change. Supply issues can simply be a supply and demand problem, which in that case looking into a tankless water heater could be beneficial.

Water Puddles Around the Unit

Finding water around your unit is usually a good indicator that there is a leak present which is an issue that needs to be dealt with immediately. Even a small leak left undetected can result in major damage. Not only will it eventually render your water heater useless, but it can cause damage to walls and flooring that can end up costing a pretty penny. When the tank heats your water it causes the metal to expand over and over again with time it can cause slight fractures that can get worse as time goes on causing major leaks to occur.

It is always best to call in the professionals to replace your hot water heater unit. There is more that goes into the proper installation of a hot water heater that can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Professionals have not only the knowledge but the training to get the job done quickly and safely.
There are many different options available to you for new hot water heaters. You have your traditional tank water heater as well as newer tankless water heaters that supply hot water on demand. Working with your professional, you can express your family dynamic of the amount of water you use to decide which is best for your household. If you find you’re a bigger family or just love cleaning and washing clothes in hot water, then a tankless or “on-demand” hot water heater may be better for you.
Thinking of your replacement can be stressful especially when you focus on the price. The great thing about working with a professional and replacing your water heater is that in the long run it actually isn’t too outrageous of a cost. Installing a traditional unit by professional costs anywhere from $800-$1,600 including both labor and the unit itself. Tankless water heaters tend to run a little higher being between $1,000-$3,000. Although these prices may seem shocking at first, the good thing is the installation is guaranteed to be done correctly by opting to pay for the professional, and most water heaters are guaranteed to last at least 10 years if not more which puts the price into perspective a lot better!