You could be surprised at how easy it is to forget about your water heater’s age, or how challenging it can be to spot an issue before it causes a mess.
There are a couple signs that you can take advantage of to keep track of the condition of your water heater. You’ll want to be watching for them to keep your equipment in the best shape.
Here are five possible signs it might be time to replace your water heater in Roanoke.
1. It’s Starting to Display Its Age
Similar to the other important appliances inside your home, your water heater has a definite life span. When it reaches the end, it will work much less efficiently and might be more expensive to repair than replacing it.
The usual water heater life span is about six to eight years. You won’t want your water heater to be around for past 10 years, as this can lead to pricey damage in your residence if it leaks.
There’s always a potential for your water heater to have problems prior to this time, so be attentive to anything that appears odd.
2. Rust is Starting to Appear
Rust is often an indication your water heater needs to be examined. Rust is corrosive and could rapidly spread to other components. This can create a leak or other issues. If you see some on the tank or pipes, call a licensed professional.
3. Not Enough Hot Water
If your water heater is having difficulty heating water, that’s an obvious sign an upgrade is necessary. Your heater may not be able to create any hot water because of buildup. The tank size could also be too small for the capacity of water your family requires.
This is very true for larger residences. The quicker you use up hot water, the more crucial it is to evaluate buying a new one.
4. You’re Hearing Strange Noises
Your water heater isn’t silent. If you notice clanging noises coming from the tank on a routine basis, that could mean a piece isn’t tight.
Odd sounds might also suggest there’s debris accumulating on the tank’s base. Excessive buildup may push your water heater to work harder and increase your heating and cooling expenses as a result.
Listen carefully if you start to note any odd noises, and call us as soon as possible.
5. Unexpected Leaks
If you discover puddles or dark spots around your water heater, it’s a wise time to evaluate getting a new unit ASAP.
These leaks are typically created by little fractures in the tank itself. The longer you postpone it, the more likely you’ll run into a crisis when the tank gives out. (You can halt a messy tank failure down the road by installing a tankless water heater, which doesn’t keep water.)
Water damage is costly to take care of and a nuisance you shouldn’t have to worry about.
If your water heater is on its way out, or in dire need of expert repairs, reach out to the Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning technicians at 540-302-8645. You may also schedule an appointment by contacting us online.