Do you know the 5 signs it's time to replace your water heater? Hot water.. we use it multiple times throughout the day. No longer a luxury, having hot water for showers, laundry and washing dishes is now a household necessity. Recently, we find ourselves sanitizing and washing our hands more frequently. Think of the number of times you require hot water usage, and multiply that by each household member. Wow! That's a lot of demand on your hot water heater.
Statistically speaking, most homeowners will average a water heater replacement 2-3 times in their span of homeownership. With the average water heater life averaging 8-12 years, having an idea of what to look for before you spring a leak is crucial. Here's the signs to look for that will confirm it's time to replace your water heater.
Water Heater is Leaking
As your water heater increases in age, you can expect to see an increase in wear. If you see water spots or stains under your water heater, there is no denying that there is an active leak. Depending on the location of your unit, you could potentially incur a serious amount of property damage if the fracture expands and becomes a constant leak. Carpet, drywall/baseboard, and personal property damage can occur with a potential for mold formation from the excess moisture. Often times, the water heater itself may not be the culprit. The fittings and connections may be the source of the leak as well.
No Hot Water
If you're without hot water, you know how much of an inconvenience it can be to shower and even wash greasy dishes. Most homeowners rely on their water heater multiple times a day, often times taking it for granted. While in some cases the problem may stem from broken heating elements or a thermostat that needs adjusting, you may run out of hot water quickly due to a build up of mineral sediment as well. Having a licensed plumber evaluate your water heater situation and provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis is the best starting point before replacing your unit.
Water Heater Making Noises
Another sign that your water heater may be on its last leg are repeated noised from the tank. You may hear rumbling and gurgling noises that get louder over time when the tank heats up. Often times this can be due to your aging water heater having a large amount of sediment in the tank. As the water heats and moves around, the sediment build up can create noises along the tank floor. This sediment also can age your system more quickly causing a link to spring. While flushing your water heater may alleviate some of the sediment, the damage may have already been done.
Rusty Water or Tank Components
Rusting is inevitable when you pair water and certain metals. While it can take some time for rust to form, any signs of rust on the tank, valves or pipes are causes for concern. The rust can eat through the steel causing a leak. In addition, if you find that your water comes out rusty for extended periods of time, you may have unseen rust eating through the metal from the inside. Disaster is waiting to happen. It's time to replace your water heater. Keep in mind, rusty water can also come from rusting pipes. An appropriate evaluation from a licensed plumber is a must to evaluate the condition of your home's plumbing systems.
Age of Water Heater
Changing your water heater is inevitable. When it nears the 8 year mark, this is the time you want to routinely evaluate for signs of leaks, rust, and corrosion. While you may still have a few years left, you can expect one of the above problems to pop up at any time. An industry saying " If it's older than 8, Don't wait!" Why do plumbers say this? They have seen large amounts of damage to homes and personal property that could have been prevented with a little maintenance and routine evaluations. Gas water heaters tend to have a shorter life span as well. Remember the above signs that will help you as a homeowner know the signs of your water heater's demise.
Why Guardian is Your Answer for Water Heater Replacement
Guardian offers a variety of state of the art tools and techniques to properly diagnose and correct your plumbing concerns. Although, many other plumbers provide quick solutions using a plunger and store bought equipment, you can expect the highest level of care from our experts:
- Licensed, Bonded and Insured
- Clean cut, Drug Screened, Background Checked Employees
- Diagnostic and Plumbing Inspections using video equipment when needed
- We inspect your whole home plumbing system free with any repair
- All work is Guaranteed
- Up Front Flat Rate Pricing with No Hidden Fees
Contact the experts from Guardian today at 770-727-1888 and have your water heater evaluated for replacement.
