Taking time to schedule or even check to see if our water heater is functioning is something many of us fail to do. In many cases, there are a few places homeowners typically don’t check until something has gone wrong and the water heater is one of them.
If you don’t know when to replace your water heater, that’s okay. In many cases, your water heater will tell you. The most common sign to look out for is, of course, a lack of hot water, but there are many other ways to test a dysfunctional water heater. In some cases, all that’s required is a repair – but when do you know that it’s time to replace your water heater?
Our Jacksonville plumbers have seen it all, and today, we share five signs that your water heater needs replacing.
More Than a Decade Old
The best way to determine whether your water heater needs to be replaced is by checking how old it is. Most water heaters that are properly cared for can last between 8-12 years. It is recommended that you replace it if it’s older than 10 years.
If you own an on-demand water heater, or it doesn’t have a tank, then it can last longer. Some tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years before it needs to be replaced. The best way to be sure is to contact a Jacksonville plumbing company to come out and take a look.
You can ensure that your water heater reaches maximum life by draining, flushing, and cleaning it once a year. Do this twice a year if you live in an area that experiences hard water.
Leaking Tank
If you spot moisture or puddles of water around the base of your tank, inspect it for a leak. If you find the source of the leak, then replace the tank immediately. Leaks are a result of pressure in the tank and can lead to the tank exploding. In this case, you’ll definitely want to find a Jacksonville plumbing service near you. Though this may seem like a small issue, a leaking water heater that goes unchecked can lead to mold damage, which can cause health issues and other damage to your home.
Rusty Water
Another obvious way to determine that your water heater needs to be replaced is when you notice rusty water. When your water is rusty, it can either be a result of rusty pipes or tank corrosion. If it is due to tank corrosion, then you need to replace the water heater without a doubt. One way to determine whether tank corrosion is the cause is by filling a few five-gallon buckets with water. If you still see rust, then it’s likely tank corrosion. If you’re still uncertain and you don’t want to replace a water heater due to corroded pipes, contact a Jacksonville plumber for an evaluation as soon as possible.
Loud Noises
If you hear loud noises coming from your water heater, this is likely due to sediment building up at the bottom of the tank. As water heaters age, sediment buildup will occur and harden due to reheating. Sediment can move around the tank and create rumbling sounds or sounds like a wrench being knocked against the inside of the heater. Sediment buildup isn’t necessarily a reason to replace your water heater, but it is considered a prereq for costly damages.
Costly Heating Bills
Your heating bill can go up if your water heater isn’t running efficiently. For example, sediment buildup is a sign of an inefficient water heater, and your water heater may need to work harder to do its job. This extra work will use more energy causing your electricity bill to be higher. Even though you don’t need to replace your water heater when such issues arise, you do need to contact a Jacksonville plumber for an inspection and help determine if it’s more cost-effective to replace the water heater.
Metro Rooter Can Help
If you are noticing any of these signs, it’s important that you contact Metro Rooter immediately if you’re in need of a Jacksonville plumbing company. We will send a plumber to your residence to inspect your water heater and provide you with an honest assessment and install your new water heater. Call us today at (904) 567-3775 or contact us to request service.