5 Signs It Is Time For Water Heater Replacement | Deerfield Beach, FL

Do you like hot water? If you are like most people, the answer is definitely yes. Even if you don’t like hot baths or showers, you probably do enjoy lukewarm showers and having water to wash your hands with. Clean clothes and dishes are also a nice perk of having access to hot water. However, if your water heater is old and on the fritz, then you might be having an issue getting hot water into your home. In this situation, you might have to start thinking about a water heater replacement in Deerfield Beach, FL.
Your aim as a homeowner should be to complete the water heater replacement before you lose all access to hot water. Many people don’t realize that they need a new water heater until their old unit dies, but at this point, the water heater installation becomes an emergency. It is a lot easier and less stressful if you can plan for your next water heater replacement. However, in order for this to work out, you need to recognize the signs your water heater is giving you that indicate it may be about to die.
Usually, a water heater does not just die (although that can happen if your unit is old enough and operating on borrowed time). More likely, your water heater is starting to give you vague signs that it may be maxing out. You just need to learn how to listen to the signs to talk to a Deerfield Beach, FL plumber and start budgeting for your water heater replacement. Once your unit quits working, you won’t have time to prepare, but if you start to make plans in advance, you can be financially prepared. You also won’t have to deal with the inconvenience of suddenly finding yourself without hot water.
To help you out, we have compiled a list of some of the top signs that you need water heater replacement. While this isn’t a complete list, it is some of the biggest signs you should look for. Once you notice any of these signs, it is time to act because, at this point, your water heater is practically begging you to replace it. As a rule of thumb, follow your gut. If you are worried that your water heater is on its way out, then it probably really is time for water heater replacement.
Age of Current Water Heater
Most water heaters last roughly a decade before it is time to think about water heater replacement. Sometimes you can get a few years out of your water heater, but once you get past that mark, you need to start seriously considering the fact that you will need to replace it. If you purchased a new home and have no idea how old your water heater is, then you should look for the serial number, which likely has a manufacturer date on it. Usually, you can find this sticker on the top of your water heater. If you find the serial number but cannot find a manufacturer date, go on the manufacturer’s website and look up the number to get more information about it.
If you have a regular water heater maintenance visit, you can also ask the plumber to determine the date for you. Some water heaters have the year and date worked into the serial number in a code. This is something that can be hard to decipher, but for most plumbers is a second language. Once you find out how old it is, you also might want to consider asking them for their opinion on whether or not it is time for a water heater replacement. They can usually offer you a professional guess on how much lifespan is left on your unit.
Odd Noises Coming from Water Heater
Sometimes noises can be an indication that your water heater is getting closer to its extinction date. Anytime you notice a noise coming from your water heater, you need to call a plumber because there is never a good reason for your water heater to make noise. However, certain noises just require adjustments, while other noises like a rumbling or banging noise can mean that it is time for a water heater replacement. This is because the sediment is building up and hardening making it hard for the water elements to do their job.
Rusty Water
A clear sign that you have a problem with your water heater that you cannot solve with a simple repair is if you notice that you have rusty hot water. If your hot water is looking discolored or you can taste the rust in the water, this indicates that your tank is rotting from the inside out. You often won’t see any signs of rust on the outside, but corrosion on the inside of your tank can be well underway. It is dangerous to continue to drink this type of water, so if you have rusty water, it is time to replace your tank.
Hot Water Runs Out Quickly
The sediment buildup that occurs as a water heater ages does more than just create unwelcome noises; it can also mean that your water heater is no longer heating as effectively. That is because it covers the heating element, and the water does not heat as evenly anymore. The result is less hot water or hot water that never reaches the same high temperatures you are used to.
Leak Around Your Water Heater
Finally, if there is a leak around your water heater then it is time for a replacement. Usually, when a water heater starts to leak, it is because of rust, and rust cannot be reversed. Once corrosion has set in, the only choice you will have is to opt for a new water heater in Deerfield Beach, FL. If that is the case, give MainLine Plumbing a call and we will help make the replacement seamless.
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