Water heaters are an essential part of any home, but they don’t last forever. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to start thinking about replacing it. Here are five signs that indicate you may need a new water heater:
Your water heater is leaking.
A small leak may not seem like a big deal, but even a small leak can lead to major damage if it’s not fixed quickly. If your water heater is leaking, it’s definitely time for a new one. A leaking water heater can not only cause serious water damage to your home, but it can also be a sign that the tank is rusting out. If you ignore this problem, it could eventually lead to your water heater bursting, which would cause an even bigger mess.
Your hot water isn’t as hot as it used to be.
This can be due to a variety of reasons, including sediment build-up and corrosion. Sediment can collect in the bottom of the tank and prevent the burner from getting hot enough to properly heat the water. Sediment can also insulate the heating element, making it less efficient. In addition, corrosion is another common problem that can reduce the efficiency of your water heater. Corrosion can occur when the tank is exposed to moisture or chemicals.
You hear strange noises coming from your water heater.
If your water heater starts making strange noises, like banging, popping, or gurgling sounds, then that’s a sign that it’s not functioning properly. These noises are usually caused by sediment build-up in the tank. When this happens, it can cause the heating elements to overheat, which can shorten the lifespan of your water heater.
Your energy bills have gone up.
If you’ve noticed that your energy bills have been going up recently, it could be because your water heater is working overtime to heat your water. This is usually due to a lack of insulation in older water heaters. If you upgrade to a newer, more energy-efficient model, you can save yourself some money on your monthly bills.
There’s rust in your water.
Rust can be caused by improper maintenance or hard water. If you don’t properly maintain your water heater, it’s more likely to develop rust. Make sure you regularly flush your water heater and inspect it for any signs of rust. Also, hard water contains high levels of minerals, which can contribute to rusting. If you have hard water, you’ll need to be extra diligent about maintaining your water heater to prevent rust. If you start to notice rust in your water, it’s a sign that your water heater is corroding on the inside and needs to be replaced.
If any of these five signs apply to your home’s water heater, then it might be time for a replacement. Installing a new water heater can be a daunting task, but the professionals at Dandi HVAC are more than happy to help. Contact us today and we will send one of our expert technicians over to take care of everything for you.