There is nothing worse than anticipating a long, hot shower that somehow turns cold in midstream. Most homeowners can go years without ever having to make a single repair to their water heater. But when the need does begin to arise, how do you determine whether now is the time to replace your water heater altogether?
Wondering whether you should make a repair or spring for the replacement? Here are a few signs that you might need a brand new water heater:
Age
Like all appliances, your water heater is not going to live forever. The parts that comprise the unit have a certain expected lifespan, and age is one of the first indicators that it may be time to replace the unit. If it’s more than ten years old, you should highly consider investing in a new one. You can figure out how old your appliance is by looking at the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker attached to the unit.
Banging Sounds
When you try to heat up water, what sorts of sounds come from your water heater? Loud banging or rumbling sounds could be a sign that your heater is near the end of its lifespan. Over time, sediment in the water builds up on the bottom of the tank and hardens. This is what you hear rattling around inside the tank, ultimately causing extra wear and tear on the appliance. It can also lead to small leaks, another indication that it’s time to replace your water heater.
In addition to the small leaks, a sediment build-up can also cause your water heater to run with less efficiency. It will require more electricity or gas to warm the water all the way through. Purchasing a new water heater could save you money, monthly, in the long run.
Rusty Water
Take a close look at the colour of the water coming out of your faucets. Does it have a rusty hue to it? If the water coming out of your taps is rusty only when the hot water is turned on, then you may have an issue with your water heater. This is often a sign that your water heater has rust on the inside, which could lead to more leaks.
Keep in mind that rusty water does not necessarily mean that your water heater is rusted. Rust could be the sign of an issue with galvanized pipes, as well. To test out whether it is the water heater, drain a few buckets directly from the water heater. If the rust clears up by the second or third bucket, then the issue is more likely caused by your pipes.
Extra Repair Work
Are you becoming quite close with your local repair company? When you start to refer to your technician by their first name, it’s a sign that you need to consider investing in a brand new water heater for your home. An older unit can nickel and dime you in new parts and service call fees whereas you could be investing that money into a new unit that will last you for years to come. When the repair fees start to really add up, it’s time to look into getting a new water heater.
Water Around the Unit
When you inspect the unit, you don’t want to find water seeping around the bottom of the heater. However, it may not necessarily warrant purchasing a new water heater. Be sure to check all the pipes and fittings. If they are tight and the leak doesn’t spring from these areas, then it probably is coming from the tank. Leaks coming from the tank, whether they’re big or small, should be taken seriously. This is a big, red flag that it is time to replace your water heater.
Replace Your Water Heater
When it does come time to replace your water heater, you should only rely on professionals to help. Provincial Heating and Cooling is here to offer you the assistance of our experienced heating contractors in Winnipeg. We can help you repair your water heater or find the perfect unit that suits your home, serving you well for years to come!