3 Common Signs That It's Time To Replace Your Old Water Heater
Your water heater is an important component of your home and the overall comfort that you and your family enjoy from it on a daily basis. That being said, while your water heater might have served you well for as long as you can remember, there is going to come a time when it simply outlives its usefulness, and one of the best things that you can do for yourself and your family is to be aware of the signs that indicate the time has come to find a replacement. Staying aware of your old water heater's condition and being on the lookout for any signs that it might be about to fail can mean the difference between having time to leisurely search for the right replacement option, and having to get an emergency install because your home is without hot water entirely. To help you in this effort, our team of experienced plumbing professionals have taken the time to put together this short list highlighting just a few of the more common signs that it might be time to start thinking of replacing your old water heater.
Leaking Or Pooling Around The Unit
Anytime you have water leaking from your water heater, it is not a good sign. Every so often, it is a good idea to take a walk around your water heater unit and check for any signs of leaking or pooling water. If you do notice any water leaking out, it is a surefire sign that the your tank is in need of replacement. The longer you wait to do so, the worse these leaks can get, and if your tank actually bursts, you could be stuck with a major flooding issues on your hands. At the first sign of leaking, the best thing you can do is to start looking at replacement options.
Strange Noises
Another sign that your older water heater might be nearing the end of its useful life can be found in the noises it makes. If you start to hear any loud popping sounds or cracks, your water heater is likely overdue for replacement. Similarly, loud screeching and banging noises are also somewhat common when your water heater nears the end of its lifespan. These noises are generally the result of the buildup of mineral deposits inside of the tank's heating element, and as it gets older, these deposits start to build up at the base of the tank and harden, causing strange, loud noises when it is in use.
Contaminated Water
Contaminated water is really a catch-all term in this sense, but as your water heater nears the end of its useful life, you might start to notice a change in the quality of the water coming from it. If you notice that your hot water starts to look sandy or muddy, has a metallic smell or taste to it, or is littered with rust particles, it is likely about time to start looking at replacement options. While some of these issues can be solved by draining the tank and removing sediment build ups, the rusting and metallic smell and taste generally indicate that the vital components within your tank have become damaged, and they are only going to get worse as time goes on.