As your water heater ages, it will slowly become less efficient. While you can replace worn-out parts or repair your unit when it breaks down, at some point, you’ll need to replace it. Here are some signs you should replace your water heater to avoid sudden breakdowns.
Old Water Heater
Most water heaters last between 10-15 years. If yours is approaching the end of its lifespan, you should consider researching the newer water heaters on the market, even if yours is working just fine. You can find a model that has updated features and is environmentally friendly.
Doesn’t Produce Hot Water
As water heaters age, there may be issues with the internal mechanism, it may suffer from worn-out parts, and there may be sediment buildup. All these problems can result in lukewarm water rather than hot water. While it’s worth it to have plumbers repair some issues, if the problems are constant, it may be better to simply replace your water heater with a new one.
Spits Out Brownish Water
If rusty or brownish water is coming from your taps, there may be corrosion happening inside your water heater tank. This could be due to a buildup of sediment or minerals. If you have flushed the tank many times but you’re still seeing rusty water, it may be time to replace your water heater.
Makes Strange Noises
A water heater shouldn’t make loud noises, so if you start hearing banging or rumbling noises, it could mean your water heater is slowly breaking down. There could be many reasons for this, and making an appointment with a plumber should be your first step. However, if you notice a decline in the efficiency of your water heater, it may be time to purchase a new one.
Needs Constant Repairs
One of the biggest tell-tale signs that you need to replace your water heater is if you are constantly calling a plumber for repairs. Whether it’s leaks due to cracks or corrosion, or sediment buildup, the cost of repairs shouldn’t outweigh the cost of a new unit. If it does, the quicker you retire your old unit, the better off you’ll be.
High Energy Bills for No Reason
Even if your water heater seems to be working fine, it may be becoming less efficient. While you may not notice your inefficient water heater, you’ll probably notice your energy bills creeping up. If you see an increase in your energy bills, it could be because your water heater is working harder to maintain your desired temperature. Call a plumber to see what the issue is. You may need to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model.
Our Plumbing Services
Smart Plumbers & Rooters provides a variety of professional plumbing services, such as drain cleaning, drain repair, garbage disposal, gas line, sewer line, and toilet repair. When you need to schedule water heater service, contact our team at The Original Plumber. We serve Atlanta, GA, and the surrounding neighborhoods.
