4 Signs Your Water Heater May Need to Be Replaced
March 4, 2019
Your water heater is an appliance that can last for decades, yet daily usage will take its toll and your water heater will eventually need to be replaced. Here are four indicators to watch out for so that you have plenty of time to repair or update your system before a malfunction leaves you in the cold.
Age
If your water heater is more than 10 years old then you should consider getting it professionally inspected to determine whether or not it needs to be replaced. If you’re not sure of its age, look for the manufacturer’s label on the upper part of the water heater. This label will feature the serial number for the unit and a date code for when it was made. To read the date code, look at the first letter and the first two digits. The letter “A” represents the first month of the year (i.e. January), the letter “B” represents February, and so forth. The next two digits represent the year. If the beginning of the date code says D07, it means that the water heater was made in April 2007. You can also use the manufacturer’s website to help you determine the date of your water heater.
Less Hot Water
A sure sign that your water heater is wearing out is when it starts producing less hot water. This issue could be caused by several factors. Over time, sediment can build up in the tank, reducing the volume of hot water available for your home. Another common problem is that the heating element starts to fail and is unable to heat the water to the desired temperature.
Leakage & Rust
Leakage and rust are two common signs that it’s time to get an inspection or go shopping for a new water heater. Water pooling on the floor around the heater indicates that the inner tank sealing has failed. If you turn on the hot water and it looks brownish-red, this is the sign of rust in the tank.
High Energy Costs
Older water heaters are less efficient and upgrading to a newer model, such as a tankless water heater, can really help cut energy costs. It can also help reduce water waste, as you’ll no longer have to keep the tap running constantly, waiting for the hot water to arrive.
Best Plumbing is available to help homeowners with all of their plumbing needs. Call or contact us today if you think your water heater needs an inspection or that you might benefit from a system upgrade. Our expert plumbers will come out and help you determine the best solution for your needs and budget.