The average lifespan of a tank water heater is anywhere from six to 15 years. This is a broad duration, which can make it difficult to determine when you should replace the water heater. Thankfully, the tank will give you signs that it is going bad. We are going to list these signs below so you know when you need us to repair or replace your water heater tank.
Water Leak
Naturally, if your water heater is old, you want to check it regularly to make certain that it is not leaking. Leaking is a common problem with older water heaters. If you see any water around the tank, call us right away. The leak can get worse quickly and you may end up with flooding around the hot water heater. If your water heater is inside, this can damage your flooring or carpeting. Outside flooding can damage your garage floor. We recommend that you inspect an old water heater once a month.
Temperature Problems
An old water heater may also reduce the amount of hot water you have for your tub bath or shower. In other words, you may run out of hot water quickly – much faster than you normally do. The temperature of the water flowing out of the faucet or showerhead may also change erratically while you are bathing. This can be frustrating when you are enjoying the nice warm water only to be blasted by cold water suddenly. This is a sign that your hot water heater is going bad and needs replacing.
Rusty/Orange Water
If you suddenly have rusty or orange water flowing out of the faucets, the hot water heater is rusted on the inside. These rust flakes can break away from the interior of the heater and flow out of your faucets. Your water should always be clear. It shouldn’t have color, smell strange, or taste strange. If you notice anything odd about the water flowing out of the faucets, call us so we can send a plumber to your home to inspect the problem. It could be that you have a rusty water heater that needs to be switched out.
Strange Water Heater Noises
Finally, if your water heater has started to bang or squeal loudly, it’s time to replace it. You may hear it sound as if it is clunking on the inside. This is a sign that you have a build-up of mineral deposits inside the water heater. These deposits can affect how well the water heater operates.
Call us today to schedule a plumber if your water heater is acting strange or making noise. We’d be happy to inspect the heater and replace it if necessary.
