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Water Heater Replacement

Signs you should replace your water heater

There are a few signs to look out for that may indicate that it's time to replace your hot water heater. Remember to always consult a professional and licensed plumber to check out your hot water heater if you think it may be time to repair or replace it. They can make sure the job is done safely and ensure you're not paying for something much bigger than the actual problem.

Age

If your water heater is 10 years or older, it may be time to consider replacing it. When water heaters are properly maintained and have regular maintenance, they can last the full 10 years with minimal issues, but if your unit has never been serviced or is much older than 10 years, it may be time to replace it for safety issues. We don't often think of our water heaters as being dangerous, but old ones that need to be removed can cause fatal explosions. Make sure to call a professional to inspect your unit if it is older, because it might be time to replace it.

Strange Noises

If your water heater is starting to make banging or rumbling noises, this is a sign there may be built-up sediment in the tank. This built-up sediment can cause water flow issues, water heating issues, and higher water heater bills. The sediment isn't dangerous, but it can cause costly electricity bills.

Rusty tap water

If your water is coming out of your tap brown or rusty, this is a sign that your water heater is eroding on the inside, and needs to be replaced. This erosion is normal with older systems because water heaters are metal, and because they heat water, this water causes erosion over years and years of use.

Less hot water than usual

If your hot water is only flowing for a few minutes and then it's right back to cold, this could be an erosion or sediment issue. This is a sign your unit is old and can't heat your water properly anymore, meaning it may be time to replace it. If you're constantly stuck with cold showers, it's definitely time to replace it. This will also cause your electricity bills to go up because your hot water heater will continuously try to heat the water, but it won't be working, meaning your unit will be on all day and night, running up the bill but not doing its job. Call a professional to have them check out your unit if you're running into this issue.

Leaks

If you're seeing water puddles around the unit, this can be dangerous. Erosion of the tank can lead to leaks, or it could be a small crack in the unit, but other issues can also cause leaks. Either way, a leak needs to be dealt with immediately. As soon as you see a leak, call a professional right away. Leaks can be the first sign of a water heater explosion, which can be fatal to you, your family, and your home. Please don't delay if you see a leak. Call a licensed and professional plumber immediately to help you keep your family and home safe.

Can you fix it yourself?

You should never try to fix a water heater by yourself. If everything is not done correctly, it can lead to fatal consequences, like an explosion. There are many important codes and policies to know when installing a water heater, and trained and licensed plumbers know all of these codes and policies to ensure safety for your family and home. There may be articles on the internet trying to tell you that you can replace it yourself, but don't do it. It's not worth the potentially life-threatening risks that come with a water heater. As we mentioned before, explosions are fatal and can happen if someone without the proper license tries to handle a water heater.