Signs You Need to Replace Your Water Heater

In most American households, a hot water supply is essential for daily living. From bathing, dish cleaning, laundry, and cooking, an adequate hot water supply is key to a functional and comfortable home. And to meet their hot water needs, homeowners have heaters in the basement, garage, attic, or crawlspace. But being out of sight, not most people think about their water heaters until their home runs out of hot water.

You will want to keep a close eye on your water heater to know when the appliance nears the end of its life. In such a way, you can prepare for a replacement beforehand and ensure your home does not go a day without hot water. Whether you have a conventional, solar, or tankless water heater, know the signs indicating the water heater needs a replacement.

Your Water Heater Is Too Old

While a water heater can last for more than a decade, it will not last forever. Even with regular maintenance, inspection, and timely repairs, your water heater will fail at one time and require a replacement. While the replacement is inevitable, you can avoid ugly surprises and inconveniences by knowing when your water heater nears its expiration date.

Water heaters have a varied lifespan depending on the type. For instance, conventional water heaters can last for 10-15 years, while tankless and solar water heaters can go up to 20 years. So if your water heater has almost approached this timeline, get ready to get a new one.

If you are unsure about the exact age of your water heater, check the serial number on the upper half of the tank. The second and third serial numbers represent the year of manufacture. However, the serial number format will vary depending on the manufacturer. Thus, check your unit's brand name and search for the brand's serial number format for accurate decoding.

Your Water Heater Makes Strange Noises

If you hear crackling, hissing, sizzling, knocking, or popping sounds, your water heater likely has an issue. While not all sounds indicate the unit needs a replacement, these sounds are usually a cause for concern, so contact an experienced repair service for inspection.

While a humming sound might indicate an easy-to-repair issue, such as a loose element, a crackling sound may indicate sediment buildup in the water heater. Sediment buildup is a serious issue that makes the heater energy inefficient and can eventually result in leaks. If the noise results from sediment accumulation, a replacement may be necessary.

If you notice any strange noise from your water heater, contact a professional immediately to remedy the problem as soon as possible. Even a small problem may worsen, causing expensive repairs or premature water heater failure.

Your Water Heater Leaks

A water heater leaking is an obvious sign your heater is usually at the end of its lifespan. If you hear dripping or water is on the floor around the unit, the time has come for a new water heater. Common causes of water heater leaks include:

• Old age
• Excess pressure
• A faulty pressure relief
• A faulty temperature valve
• Sediment buildup
• A cracked storage tank
• A deteriorating internal tank

These leaks could cause water damage to ruin your belongings and even property. A reputable repair service can repair minor leaks, but if the leaks are widespread or result from old age, the only solution could be to replace the unit. Regardless of how insignificant the leak might appear, act sooner than later.

For all your water heater needs, such as repair, installation, and replacement, contact Daytona Plumbing for professional service. We are happy to answer any questions you have.