Just like other appliances in your home, having a functional water heater is extremely beneficial for your day-to-day household chores. Whether you’re taking a bath, cooking food, or doing frequent hand washing, you need a supply of hot water to keep yourself comfortable, especially during the cold months.
However, while a great water heater is important, it’s one of the plumbing devices that’s susceptible to wearing out and needing a replacement.
Thus, if you don’t want to wake up one morning with a malfunctioned water heater, below are the five signs you may need to keep an eye for so you can replace it in due time:
Your Water Heater Is More Than 10 Years Old
Similar to other home appliances, your water heater will certainly not last forever. Throughout the course of using it, you’re going to face that scenario wherein you need to replace your water heater as soon as possible to avoid further problems. This is especially true if your device is more than 10 years old.
Typically, using a water heater that’s too old may lead to some major troubles, which is why it’s best to replace it before it reaches its expiration date. To do this, you can look at the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker located near its top. The first two numbers indicate the year of manufacture, but these figures usually vary depending on the manufacturers. So, if you want to be sure about this, you may check the manufacturer’s website for more information.
Your Water Heater Makes Knocking Noises
Another sign that your water heater needs replacement is the presence of frequent knocking noises. Generally, these noises are due to sediment buildup that settles at the bottom of your water heater. When sediments in the water, such as calcium and magnesium particles, coat the bottom of your equipment, it blocks the heating elements and the water, which can cause the device to overheat.
Unfortunately, overheating of the water heater can weaken the tank, which eventually causes it to leak or, in extreme cases, burst. Therefore, if you start hearing knocking noises and you find out that the sediment buildup has already damaged your water tank, then, it’s time to get this equipment replaced right away.
Also, if you need to choose the right replacement, you can visit WaterHeaterHub.com or other reliable resource sites to read some online reviews and get more information about your choices.
You Have Rusty Water Or Heater Inlet Valve
Dealing with rusty water or heater inlet valve can be a sign of trouble for your water heater. Even if the steel is considered the strongest material on earth, it has its own weakness, and that’s rust. When the equipment or water becomes rusty, it can be a warning sign for incoming leaks, which can cause further damage.
For instance, having rusty water from the faucets in your sink and bathtub can be dangerous to anyone who uses water in your home. Not only that, but having rusty heater inlet valve means rust has taken over the internal surfaces of the tank. In such a case, the best option is to replace the water heater as soon as you can.
Remember, when rust enters the picture, the only way to ensure you have a continuous supply of hot water using different types of hot water cylinders is getting a replacement for your old, rusty equipment.
You’re Dealing With Rising Energy Costs
If you find your energy bills are rising for unknown reasons, it can be due to a defective water heater, which is burning through a ton of extra energy you can’t clearly explain. Instead of struggling to pay high energy costs for a water heater problem you don’t know how to solve, it’s best to replace it immediately to prevent further trouble.
You Begin Experiencing Frequent Repairs
When your water heater is getting old, you’ll certainly end up calling in plumbing professionals more often to repair the equipment. While repairs can prolong the life of your appliance, dealing with it for several times in a six-month span can be a sign that you need a replacement.
Instead of spending more money for frequent repairs, replacing a new water heater can help you save tons of money in the long run.
Bottom Line
Water is one of the most essential things you should have in your household. But, a lot of your day-to-day activities require your water to be at some degree of warmth.
Therefore, if you want to make sure your water heater continuously provides you the comfort and convenience your family needs, keep the signs mentioned above in mind so you’ll know when is the perfect time of replacing your equipment.
