About 8% of American households have to replace their water heaters each year. That’s about 7 to 8 million heaters annually. So, are you one of those households that need a replacement this year?
If your water heater is producing hot water, you may think you don’t need to worry about replacement. Unfortunately, this isn’t entirely true. This guide will help you know if you need a water heater replacement. Look for these five signs with your water heater.
1. It’s Leaking
The best way to check for leaks is to look at the fittings, connections, and temperature release valve. If these are wet, then you have a leak. These are a relatively easy fix.
If you discover that the leak is coming from the actual tank, then you’ll need to replace the entire water heater.
2. You Have Rusty Water
If you turn on the water and see rust, you should be concerned. To know where the water heater problems are, pay attention to when you see the rust. If you only see rust when you turn on the hot water, then it’s likely you have a damaged and corroding water heater.
3. It’s Old
Water heaters don’t last forever. A well maintained one will have a useful life of ten to fifteen years. This means you need to start thinking about replacement around the ten year mark.
If you don’t know how old your water heater is, you can look for a serial number on it. This number will tell you when it was manufactured. However, each manufacturer displays this date differently.
You need to go to the manufacturer’s website to look up how the date is displayed for your unit. This might take a bit of research.
4. You Hear Strange Noises
It’s normal for large household appliances to make some noise when operating. However, you shouldn’t be able to hear your water heater running from the other side of the house. It should also not make loud rumbling, popping, or cracking sounds.
These intense sounds are likely a result of sediment hardening at the bottom of your water heater. Over time that sediment builds and then interferes with the running of your heater. If you ignore it, the sediment can cause your tank to crack, and you’ll need to replace your heater.
5. You Run Out of Hot Water
There are a few easy fix solutions to why your water heater is not working. You may need to relight the pilot on a gas unit or trip the breaker on an electrical unit. If it’s winter, your pipes could have frozen.
If you work through the easy fixes and still don’t have hot water, then you’re looking at an expensive repair or replacement.
Look for a Water Heater Replacement Near Me
If you’re experiencing one or more of these water heater issues, then it’s time to consider a water heater replacement. Replacing your water heater will ensure you have fresh hot water on demand.
A new unit will give you an added benefit. Newer units are more efficient and can produce more hot water while using less technology.
Browse our other articles for more helpful advice on maintaining your home and major appliances.