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When to Replace a Water Heater

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When to Replace a Water Heater

Knowing when to replace a water heater could save you from a hot water disaster in your home. The good thing is, you don’t need to be an expert to know how old your system is or how long it makes sense for your home (and your wallet) to keep it around.

Here’s how to know when to replace a water heater in your home.

Knowing When to Replace a Water Heater

1. Age
The first sign you may need to replace a water heater is time. How old is your current system? If you’re unsure of just how old this water heater is, check for a manufacturer sticker. On this sticker, you should find a serial number. The first two numbers usually indicate the year it was made. Typically, if your water heater is older than ten years, it may be time to start looking for a new system. If you hold onto an older system, its efficiency will decline over time and may lead to more house problems.

2. Noises
The second sign of knowing when to replace a water heater is if you hear unusual rumbling or noises coming from your system. As your system ages, sediment will begin to accumulate at the bottom of the tank. The sediment starts to harden over time, which can cause those rumbling sounds. This contributes to wasted energy and less hot water. The extra time needed to heat the water can lead to cracks or holes in your tank.

3. Rusty Water
Whether you are turning on your hot water in the kitchen sink or going to take a shower, you may notice a strange color in your water. If it has a yellowy or reddish hue, rust could be in your water. Rusty water is another clear indication of when to replace a water heater.

4. Water Leaks
Check for leaks at the bottom of your tank. When metal heats, it will expand, and if there are fractures in the tank, water may leak out. If you do happen to notice leaks beneath or around your water heater, its should be replaced as soon as possible.

5. Wear & Tear
It’s important to recognize how many times your hot water heater needs repairs. If your system  needs two or more repairs a year, this should be a red flag. It may be tempting to spend less on patching it up, but your money is always better spent investing in a new, reliable system.

Knowing the signs of when to replace a water heater can save you from a bigger problem down the line. With the above tips in mind, assess your current system to help establish a timeline of how long you’ve had it and how long it may be before it needs replacement.

If you have questions or need information on water heaters, or if you are looking to replace your current one, contact Eric Krise Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling!

 

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