Your hot water heater works hard for you every day. If your water heater is approaching 10 years of age, it may be time to replace it. Of course, with regular maintenance, a water heater may last up to 12 years, but the longer you wait to replace it, the more dangerous it can become. This is because a hot water heater is a pressurized machine to keep that water hot, and as it ages, the core pieces that help regulate and keep it safe will break down. This means it's more prone to explosions the older it gets, and an explosion can be dangerous or even fatal to you, your family, or your home. It's best to replace an aging water heater to ensure safety and ensure the unit is working the way it's designed to work, with all the safety features in great condition. There are some signs to look out for that may mean it's time to replace the hot water heater. These signs include:
Water puddles under the tank
If you see water leaking under the hot water heater, this is a sign that it could be something seriously wrong with the unit. Hot water heaters have a temperature and pressure valve, designed to release water from the tank if the water is too hot or there's too much pressure build up. This valve is located at the bottom of the tank and lets water out at the bottom to ensure the water doesn't spray out and injure someone. If your tank is leaking, this could mean something is wrong with the pressure, and this means the tank is more prone to explosions. Make sure to call a licensed and professional plumber to check your hot water heater. Of course, a puddle could be something like a leaky valve, which is less dangerous, but could cause problems in the long run. But don't try to fix either of these issues on your own. It could be dangerous for you because a hot water heater is a complex machine and any errors could be fatal. Call a plumber to help you if you see water puddles under the tank.
Erosion
If you see any erosion on the side of the tank, like holes, or rusted parts of the tank, this is a sign it's time to replace the tank. Erosion is a natural occurrence with a hot water heater because water, over a long period of time, will erode the metal of the tank. If you see signs of erosion, replace the tank because any holes could be a dangerous situation. Make sure you call a professional, insured, licensed plumber to help you replace the unit.
Knocking or banging noises
If you hear knocking or banging noises coming from your hot water heater, it's probably a build up of sediment within the tank. This isn't dangerous and not necessarily a sign to replace the water heater, but it's a sign it needs maintenance. Sediment within the tank is a natural process that takes place because of natural minerals like calcium and magnesium within water. This sediment will cause issues like fluctuating temperatures from hot to cold, less hot water, higher energy bills, and a knocking noise from the tank. A professional plumber can come out to your home and flush the tank. It doesn't take long and it's an easy process to remove the sediment and get your water heater back to normal, as long as it isn't very old.
