Signs You Need To Purchase A New Water Heater

Water heaters can serve you for years, but they'll lose efficiency or break down at one point. Unfortunately, some homeowners will continue to invest in repair services even when their water heaters are past it. So, how do you know that it's time to invest in a new water heater? Well, check out the signs discussed below.

Your Water Heater Is Quite Old

Sometimes you don't have to wait for your water heater to break down completely to replace it. If your water heater has served you for the past ten years, you should start looking for a replacement. While most water heaters can last for 12 years or more, they'll have lost efficiency by the time they hit ten years. 

Reduced Hot Water Capacity

You'll know that your water heater is nearing the end of its life if it no longer produces enough hot water. A water heater that's in good condition should have hot water on demand. So, if you run out of hot water when taking a shower, start budgeting for a new water heater.

Odd Noises

Water heaters should remain silent when running. Therefore, if your water heater starts producing strange noises, it could be a sign of old age. Additionally, your appliance might make banging or rumbling noises if sediment builds up inside the tank. There is also a possibility that the heating element has mineral build-up. 

Frequent Repairs

Repairs will always come up a few times a year, depending on how often you use the water heater. Unfortunately, repairs might increase as the water heater ages. So, if you find yourself calling for water heater repair services after every few months or so, it's time to buy a new heater. 

Why would you use thousands of dollars on repairs while you can spend the same amount of money on a replacement? Frequent repairs are just a sign that your water heater can't keep up with your household's demands anymore.

Rusty Water

You should get a water heater replacement when you notice rusty water coming from your faucets or shower. Rusty water means that your water is reacting with the sacrificial anode rod; thus, picking up the corrosion. While you can have plumbers install a new zinc anode rod, it's a waste of resources, especially when your water heater is old. 

Replacing the anode rod will only make sense if the corrosion happens early in the system's life.

Other signs to watch out for are:

• Thermostat problems
• Strange odors
• Sediment build-up in your water heater
• Leaks
• Rising energy costs
• Inconsistent water temperatures

If you notice any of these problems, reach out to a heating contractor for an inspection of your heating unit.