You may be shocked at how easy it is to lose track of your water heater’s age, or how hard it can be to recognize a problem before it results in a mess.
There are a couple pointers that you can leverage to keep an eye on the status of your water heater. You’ll want to be watching for them to keep your equipment in the best condition.
Here are five possible signs it may be time to replace your water heater in Hillsborough.
1. It’s Starting to Show Its Age
Much like the other important appliances inside your home, your water heater has a definite lifetime. When it gets to the end, it will function much less efficiently and might be costlier to fix than buying a new one.
The average water heater life span is around six to eight years. You won’t want your water heater to be in use for more than 10 years, since this could create costly damage in your home if it fails.
There’s always a potential for your water heater to experience problems earlier than this time, so take note of anything that feels unusual.
2. Rust is Starting to Show
Rust is generally an indication your water heater needs to be checked. Rust is corrosive and may quickly move to other pieces. This can create a leak or other malfunctions. If you observe a little on the tank or pipes, contact a licensed professional.
3. Not Enough Warm Water
If your water heater is straining to heat water, that’s an obvious sign an upgrade is needed. Your heater may not be able to create any hot water because of sediment. The tank size might also be too small for the amount of water your house uses.
This is especially true for larger houses. The quicker you use up hot water, the more essential it is to think about getting a new model.
4. You’re Hearing Odd Noises
Your water heater makes a little noise. If you have noticed banging noises coming from the tank on a routine basis, that might suggest a component isn’t secure.
Odd sounds can also mean there’s junk accumulating on the tank’s base. Too much buildup might push your water heater to work harder and increase your energy expenses as a result.
Listen carefully if you are starting to notice any unusual noises, and call our team as soon as possible.
5. Surprise Leaks
If you see puddles or dark spots around your water heater, it’s a good time to think about buying a new unit as soon as possible.
These leaks are typically caused by small cracks in the tank itself. The longer you disregard it, the more likely you’ll have a crisis when the tank fails. (You can stop a messy tank malfunction in the future by getting a tankless water heater, which doesn’t keep water.)
Water damage is pricey to take care of and a nuisance you shouldn’t have to fret about.
If your water heater is over the hill, or in serious need of pro repairs, call the Fras-Air/General Service Experts Experts at 908-448-2154. You can also schedule an appointment by contacting us online.