Your water heater is one of the most essential appliances in your home — it provides you with hot water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning. So, when it starts to show signs of wear and tear, it’s important to take notice.
Although water heaters are built to last, they eventually reach the end of their lifespan. If you’re unsure about whether your water heater is on its last leg, here are six signs to look out for.
Your water heater is over ten years old
As your water heater ages, the chance of breakdowns and the need for repair rises significantly. If your water heater is over ten years old, keep a close eye on its performance.
Common signs of an ageing water heater include lukewarm showers, unexpected fluctuations in hot water temperatures, rust-coloured water, and a strange sound near the tank. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your water heater system, but replace it with a more energy-efficient model when needed.
You’re seeing rust on the tank
Rust is a surefire sign that your water heater will need to be replaced soon. Rust forms due to age, improper maintenance, and sediment buildup in the container. It’s important to keep an eye out for rust as it can lead to corrosion, damage to the tank, and eventual leaks.
If rust appears on your water heater, it’s time to consider replacement options before it fails. Regular maintenance can delay this eventuality by helping keep sediment and other contaminants out of the water heater.
There’s water pooling around the base of your water heater
An uncomfortable truth about modern-day living is that no amount of home maintenance can prevent unexpected appliance malfunctions. Water heaters are no exception. When you notice water pooling around the base of your device, it could be a sign that it’s about to give up. The most likely explanation is that an internal component, such as a conduit or special valve, has failed and is causing the heater to leak.
Check your owner’s manual for specific information about what to do if you suspect a leak to ensure you handle the situation duly and safely.
You’re not getting as much hot water as you used to, or it’s taking longer to heat up
If you run out of hot water faster than usual or notice it requires more time to heat, your water heater is likely on its last legs. It means that it’s time for a replacement.
Act proactively by swapping out the old water heater for a new one before the existing unit completely breaks down and leaves you with no hot water.
If you can no longer rely on your current water heater to provide consistent hot water, it’s time to replace it with a quality model that will give your home the reliable hot water you need.
The pilot light keeps going out
It may be time to replace your water heater if you’re noticing odd behaviours, such as the pilot light going out or strange noises emanating from within the tank. These symptoms point to a unit that is malfunctioning and on its way to giving up entirely.
With preventive action, homeowners can avoid purchasing a new system and instead use proactive maintenance techniques to ensure their water heater is always running efficiently and safely.
Your energy bills have gone up significantly even though you haven’t changed your usage habits
Have you noticed that your energy bills have gone up recently, but you’re still using the same amount of water as before? If you suspect something is wrong, it could be time to check and see whether your water heater is nearing it’s last days.
Your heater may no longer be as efficient as it once was, forcing it to work harder to get the job done; this could explain why you have a hefty increase in your energy bills without making any other changes.
Take some time out and inspect the condition of your water heater — if it’s about to give out, consider replacing it with a more modern model which will offer better performance and help keep those energy bills from going through the roof.
Stay mindful of the signs that your water heater is about to call it quits. Taking care of these issues now can save time and money. To ensure safe and reliable water heating, maintain your water heater regularly—change out parts as needed and remember to flush the unit once per year!
About us
If you are looking for a professional agency to help you install or replace your water heater in Florida’s Punta Gorda Region, Henry Plumbing is where you should call. We have been helping the residents of Punta Gorda since the 1970s. Our services include water testing, plumbing, water heater installation, repairs, and more. We also offer emergency plumbing services to our customers. You can contact us at (941) 661-7398 or request an appointment here.