A water heater is among the most important appliances in a home. From cooking to bathing to cleaning, the whole family depends on it. It’s one of those appliances we don’t pay much attention to, but when it malfunctions, our routines are disrupted.
Because of its regular use, it’s most likely to wear out and require replacement, usually after 10 years. But how do you know when you need to replace the water heater? It’s easy. When the water heater is nearing its end, there are obvious signs to look out for. Here are some of the signs you need a new hot water system:
- Your Current Water Heater Is Already Old
Most typical water heaters last up to a decade before they require replacing. Keep track of how old your system is, and when you’re nearing the ten-year mark, start preparing for its replacement. If your unit is fairly new, you can still call up a technician to d
If you’re yet to determine how old your water heating system is, check the serial number. It’s mostly found on a sticker on top of the heater. If there’s no date on the sticker, type the serial number on the manufacturer’s website to get the correct information about the heater.
- Inconsistent Water Temperature
You’re having a warm bath, then suddenly the water’s temperature drops to freezing and turns back to average temperature within a few seconds. Though this might be caused by someone turning a faucet too high or flushing the toilet while you’re using the shower, it might also be a water heater issue referred to as a ‘cold water sandwich.’ This issue occurs when the water heating system ages due to decreased ability to feed water at a persistent pressure continuously.
If your water heater is clogged or partially blocked, it can also manifest this issue. If inconsistent water temperatures have become a pain in the neck, click here for info on how to replace your water heater.
- Rust And Corrosion
Rust and corrosion inside the water tank indicate the end signs of your water heating unit. If there’s any rust in the water from the outlets or shower, you need to replace the hot water heater parts. Rust in the water shows that the heater might be worn out for some time and might damage the entire unit if left unattended.
Rust from the tank can damage other appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. Also, it can destroy your plumbing system, especially the piping system, following clogging. Nevertheless, as much as rust in the water might be a sign of an old water heater, it might help to check whether there’s a galvanized piping that could be causing rust to avoid replacing a well-functioning water heater.
- Higher Energy Costs
Is your energy bill rising, but you can’t tell why? If yes, the reason might be your water heater. Aged or inefficient burners require extra gas to heat your water to the required temperatures, increasing your energy bill. Though this problem can be repaired in some cases, mostly, replacement is the only solution.
- Noisy Tank
As time passes, the water heater starts producing noises, especially when working. If you notice any noise coming from the tank, it might indicate that the unit is reaching its end or wearing off. Mainly, noise in the tank is caused when sediments around the heater heat up. After the sediment has formed around the heater, it corrodes around the heating element, creating a layer that makes it difficult for the heater to work efficiently. Constant rumbling might cause leaking as time passes, leading to other problems. If you notice noise from the tank, it’s crucial to have the heater replaced as soon as possible.
- Metallic Taste And Smell
If you drink water directly from the tap and you notice a metallic taste or smell, it could be because the water heater is breaking down. The breaking down of the water heater is mainly caused by interior corrosion. Metal elements in the water are harmful to your health, hence the need to replace the water heater as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Nothing is more disappointing than a failed or failing water heating system. It interferes with how you usually do things and might require replacement to get things back to normal. If you’re experiencing some issues like the ones mentioned here, it might be a sign that you need to replace your water heater. However, to ensure that that’s the only solution, you might need a reputable plumber’s opinion before deciding what to do next.
